Caring for a Golden Gourami

The golden gourami is a relatively large tropical freshwater fish that is found in many aquariums. This beautiful deep-yellow fish makes a good addition to a freshwater community aquarium. It is a highly active, brightly colored fish that is easy to care for and entertaining. The golden gourami is readily found at pet stores across the United States.

  1. Aquarium Set-Up

    • As the golden gourami can grow to over 4 inches in length, a moderately large aquarium is required. The aquarium should hold a minimum of 20 gallons of water. The water temperature should be kept between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Although they are usually found in the middle and top of the aquarium, golden gouramis should have a place to hide in the bottom of the aquarium. A good filtration system is necessary as well.

    Community

    • The golden gourami is generally a passive fish, so it typically is safe to keep with other tropic freshwater fish. However, the male golden gourami can be territorial and aggressive, especially toward other males of its species and smaller, slower fish. Hence, only one male should be kept per aquarium. Golden gouramis do well with other large, fast moving fish of similar temperament. If your male gourami becomes aggressive toward other fish, a bigger aquarium will help alleviate the problem.

    Feeding

    • Golden gouramis aren't particular about their diet. They will do well eating flakes, frozen or live brine shrimp, bloodworms, and algae flakes. They are omnivores and, as such, thrive on a wide variety of foods. Daphnia, as well as any slow sinking granule, are also appropriate dietary staples. Supplementing their diet with frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms will also enhance their coloration.

    Breeding

    • Golden gouramis are easy to breed. By keeping one male with several females, you increase the chances of successful spawning. Males will build a bubble-nest, then lead the female to the nest. It is important to have floating plants in the aquarium for the male to use as building material. Once the female releases the eggs in the nest, the male will become very protective of the nest until the eggs hatch.