Blue Gourami
Trichopodus trichopterus
Also known as Three Spot Gourami
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A hardy, adaptable gourami that grows much larger than the dwarf species. It is often sold as a community fish but does not always behave like one: some stay peaceful, others turn spiteful as they mature. Give it room, floating cover and sturdy tank mates such as barbs or loaches.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 21 US gal
- Footprint
- 35 x 12 in
- Temperature
- 75–86 °F
- pH
- 5.5–8.5
- Hardness
- 3–35 dGH
- Swim zone
- Top
- Min group
- Single fish
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
Blue Gourami care mistakes to avoid
The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.
- Plan on one as the centerpiece of the tank, and read the tank-mate lists before adding others.
- Do not count on it staying peaceful. Seriously Fish says some individuals become very spiteful as they mature.
- Keep only one male unless the tank is very large, because males are territorial and squabble, especially when breeding.
- Choose sturdy tank mates. Seriously Fish suggests robust fish such as barbs, larger tetras, loricariid catfish, loaches and other medium to large gouramis, not small or timid ones.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 21 US gallons.
Blue Gourami tank mates and swim zone
Top
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Puntius titteya
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Corydoras aeneus
Corydoras paleatus
Corydoras aeneus (albino)
Danio rerio
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Betta splendens
Betta often does best alone. Only try this in a larger, planted tank, and watch closely.
Trichogaster chuna
Close relatives can fight over territory. Only try this in a large, well-planted tank.
Paracheirodon innesi
Blue Gourami is big enough to eat or bully a fish as small as Neon Tetra.
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Blue Gourami is big enough to eat or bully a fish as small as Cardinal Tetra.
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Blue Gourami is big enough to eat or bully a fish as small as Ember Tetra.
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Blue Gourami is big enough to eat or bully a fish as small as Black Neon Tetra.
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Blue Gourami is big enough to eat or bully a fish as small as Glowlight Tetra.
Blue Gourami feeding and care
How to feed
- Feed any good flake or small pellet, because it is an unfussy omnivore that accepts most foods.
- Add algae wafers and small live or frozen foods, since wild fish eat plants, algae, small invertebrates and zooplankton.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Males are larger and develop a pointed dorsal fin. Females are smaller and rounder in the belly.
Plants that suit it
Species facts
- Family
- Osphronemidae
- Native to
- Southeast Asia, including the Mekong basin
- Adult size
- 5.9 in (15 cm)
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Social needs
- Solitary/Centerpiece
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Water flow
- Gentle
- Substrate
- Any
- Live plants
- Mostly Safe
- Shrimp
- Will Eat Shrimp
- Fin nipping
- Low
- Vulnerable to nippers
- No
- Breeding
- Moderate
Blue Gourami FAQ
What size tank do Blue Gouramis need?
Our sourced minimum is 21 US gallons (81 liters), with a footprint of 90 x 30 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Blue Gouramis should I keep?
One is fine in a tank this size. Add more only with plenty of extra room and cover.
What can live with Blue Gouramis?
Good matches on our list include Harlequin Rasbora, Cherry Barb and Bolivian Ram. Avoid Neon Tetra and Cardinal Tetra.
How long do Blue Gouramis live?
Care guides report about 3–5 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
Are blue gouramis peaceful?
Not reliably. Seriously Fish says some stay peaceful, but others become very spiteful as they mature, and males are territorial. Watch new fish closely and have a plan to rehome one that bullies.
Where to buy Blue Gourami
We have not found a store that sells Blue Gourami under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Complete the tank
A forgiving setup with room for a small community.
Tank size for this species
At least 21 US gallons (81 L), 90 x 30 cm footprint
Filter
Hang-on-back or large sponge filter
Easy to maintain and strong enough for a community without blasting the fish.
We are still choosing products for this.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 100 W at 20 gallons, about 150 W at 29
Enough power to hold a stable temperature in most homes. Size up for a cold room.
We are still choosing products for this.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.