Gourami Fish Care

As a species that thrives in variable water conditions, temperature ranges and tank sizes, gourami fish make hardy aquarium dwellers. Considered a beginner fish, the diverse colors of the different types of gouramis attract new hobbyists and experienced aquarists as well.

  1. Diet

    • Feed gourami fish an omnivorous diet that includes a mix of plant matter, like algae, and proteins, like blood worms and small species of shrimp. Gourami's can eat a staple diet of fish flakes, but limit the amount of filler ingredients, like wheat germ. Look for high-quality flake food that contains whole ingredients -- like whole salmon instead of fish meal.

    Water Parameters

    • Keep gourami fish in a tropical fish tank, complete with aeration and good filtration. Do not let the water temperature fall below 68 degrees. Although the labyrinth organ allows the gourami to live in water with low oxygen content, well aerated water promotes a healthier tank. Keep gourami fish in a pH range of 6.0-8.8, but do not allow the pH to rapidly fluctuate.

    Tank Mates

    • Keep gouramis with fish of comparable size. The peaceful temperament of small and dwarf gourami fish makes them suitable for a community tank, and they can amicably live with other peaceful community fish, like tetra species and livebearers. However, large gouramis may act territorial and nip at delicate fins. Ensure that large gourami types have adequate tank space to prevent sparring. Avoid keeping multiples of the same gourami species together to further stop aggressive behavior.

    Spawning

    • Set up a separate brood tank of at least 10 gallons if you plan on breeding your gourami fish. After hatching, baby fish need to live separated from the adult fish until they can fend for themselves. Place the male and female gourami fish together after the male builds a bubble nest; the clump of bubbles should look like foam at the surface of the water. Immediately remove the female after spawning, but leave the male gourami to raise the fry.