Blue Gourami

Scientific Name: Trichogaster trichopterus
Other Names: Three Spot Gourami, Opaline Gourami, Cosby Gourami, Golden Gourami, Silver Gourami
Family: Belontiidae
Origin: Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam
Adult Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
Social: Peaceful
Lifespan: 4 years
Tank Level: Top, Mid dweller
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallon
Diet: Omnivore, eats most foods
Breeding: Egglayer - bubblenest builder
Care: Easy
pH: 6.0 - 8.8
Hardness: 5-35 dGH
Temperature: 72-82 F (22-28 C)

The Blue Gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) is also referred to as the Three Spot Gourami and sometimes even the Opaline Gourami. It's called the three spot because of the three spots on its body. The first two are visible (one on the middle of the body and one near the caudal fin) and the third spot is the eye. This fish is like the Betta Splendens in that it needs access to the water surface for using its specialized labyrinth organ in case of low oxygen levels. They can become aggressive and territorial with other tank mates and may be even more aggressive with other male blue gouramis.

Once acclimated to your tank, they can be fairly hardy and can grow to a size of 6 inches (15 cm).

Even though many of the available Blue Gouramis are tank raised it's always a good idea to keep any new fish in a Quarantine Tank for a few weeks for monitoring before introducing them into your main tank.

The Blue Gourami will accept smaller fish food including flakes, frozen, freeze dried and live foods.

(read more tropical fish)