How to Take Care of a Gourami Fish

Gourami are freshwater fish native to Asia. There are several different species of gourami fish, and they are often considered territorial. They are colorful, and some breeds are considered to be peaceful, while others are bred for fighting. Caring for gourami is fairly easy. Gourami fish are a pleasure to have as pets.

Things You'll Need

  • 20 gallon aquarium
  • Filter
  • Thermometer
  • Freshwater
  • Fish food
  • Aquarium plants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Acquire an aquarium for your gourami. The aquarium should be 20 gallons or larger. Position the aquarium in the most peaceful place in your house to ensure that your gourami is not disturbed too often.

    • 2

      Set up the aquarium with dechlorinated freshwater at 74 to 82.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer and heat as needed to maintain the temperature. Add plenty of natural or natural-looking vegetation such as cryptocoryne, vallisneria or java fern. If you have more than one gourami, add vegetation to create hiding places for fish to mark their territories. This will prevent fighting.

    • 3

      Keep your tank's pH at 7, making sure that it does not get much higher or lower than that. Even a pH of 6 or 8 can harm your gourami. The dGH should stay between 5 and 19.

    • 4

      Feed your gourami both meaty fish food and vegetation fish food. Flakes, live food and even frozen food will do. Gourami eat blood worms and brine shrimp as well. Do not clean your fish's tank too often so that your gourami can graze on the algae. Clean the tank about once week.