Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna)

Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna) is a peaceful, hardy, and beginner-friendly freshwater fish that thrives in well-maintained aquariums.

Size & Appearance

• Adult Size: Typically grows to about 5 cm (2 inches)
• Coloration: Males are bright orange-yellow with bluish throats and orange-rimmed fins; females are more silver-gray

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for one fish. Add 10 gallons for each additional gourami to reduce territorial behavior
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Hardness: 4–10 dKH
• Filtration: Gentle flow preferred to mimic their natural slow-moving habitat
• Plants & Decor: Include live plants like hornwort or water wisteria, plus hiding spots. Avoid overplanting the surface to ensure access to air (they use a labyrinth organ to breathe)

Diet

• Type: Omnivore
• Food Options:
  • Algae-based flakes
  • Freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex
  • Live foods for enrichment
• Feeding Schedule: Twice daily in small portions

Behavior & Temperament

• Nature: Peaceful and shy, especially around larger or aggressive tank mates.
• Activity: Active but non-aggressive; prefers the upper half of the tank

Tank Mates

Honey Gouramis do well with similarly peaceful species. Great companions include

• Small schooling fish: Ember Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, Neon Tetras
• Livebearers: Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Swordtails
• Bottom dwellers: Corydoras, Kuhli Loaches, Bristlenose Plecos, Otocinclus
• Other Gouramis: Sparkling Gouramis (if space allows)