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Blue Gourami

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Trichopodus trichopterus

Complete Blue Gourami care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Blue Gourami

Quick Answer

Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) is a popular, hardy labyrinth fish from Southeast Asia. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.0 - 8.0 and temperature range of 22-28°C. As a omnivore with semi-aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) is a popular, hardy labyrinth fish from Southeast Asia. Its body is a brilliant blue with two dark spots, earning it the name Three Spot Gourami.

Setup

A 20-gallon or larger tank with dense planting, floating plants, and hiding spots. They need access to the surface to breathe air. Moderate filtration with low current.

Feeding

Omnivorous; accepts flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods. Will also eat algae and vegetable matter.

Compatibility

Males can be territorial with each other. Keep one male with multiple females or as a single. Avoid fin-nippers. Good with larger tetras, barbs, danios, and catfish.

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Tank Position
Middle/Top
Water Temp
22-28°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.0 - 8.0

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Red Eyed Tetra Care Guide: Schooling & Tank Size semanticSimilarity Apistogramma Care Guide: Temperament & Diet semanticSimilarity Banded Corydoras Care Guide: Substrate & Diet semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Blue Gouramis should be kept together?
Keep one male per aquarium, or one male with 2 to 3 females in a tank of at least 40 gallons (150 liters) with a footprint of 36x15 inches (90x38 cm). Blue gouramis (Trichopodus trichopterus) are highly territorial; two males in under 55 gallons (208 liters) fight to severe injury, including torn fins and eye damage. Provide floating plants (Water Sprite, Hornwort) and at least 3 distinct hiding zones (caves, driftwood piles). In community tanks, maintain a single specimen. Avoid other labyrinth fish (bettas, paradise fish).
What are the exact water parameters for Blue Gouramis?
Target pH 6.0 - 8.0, General Hardness 5 - 20 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 15 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 150 - 500 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 300 - 1000 μS/cm, and temperature 72°F - 82°F (22°C - 28°C). They possess a labyrinth organ and can breathe atmospheric air, tolerating low oxygen but requiring stable parameters. Maintain nitrates below 30 ppm with weekly 25% water changes. Use a gentle filter (sponge or low-flow HOB) to avoid damaging their long ventral fins. Add Indian almond leaves to boost immunity. Avoid high ammonia (>0.25 ppm), which damages labyrinth tissue.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Blue Gouramis?
They are omnivores with large appetites, requiring 40% protein, 10% fat, 50% plant matter. Feed floating flakes, pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and brine shrimp twice daily. They actively hunt pest hydra and planaria. Supplement with blanched zucchini, peas, and spirulina wafers. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.2 mg/L) but sensitive to formalin and malachite green; use half-dose. Praziquantel is safe for internal parasites. Salt baths up to 5 ppt treat ich but avoid prolonged exposure. Quarantine with metronidazole for 10 days.
How to breed Blue Gouramis with environmental triggers?
Condition a male and female with live blackworms and brine shrimp for 2 weeks. Set up a 20-gallon (75 liter) breeding tank with 6 inches (15 cm) of water (pH 7.0, dGH 8, 80°F/27°C), floating plants (Salvinia), and a styrofoam cup half-submerged. The male builds a bubble nest under the cup. Introduce the female; spawning occurs in 12-24 hours. The male wraps around the female; 500-1000 eggs float to the surface. Remove female immediately. Male guards nest until fry hatch (24-36 hours). Remove male after fry become free-swimming (day 3). Fry feed infusoria for 5 days, then baby brine shrimp.

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