Honey Gourami - Trichogaster chuna : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna) is a charming and peaceful addition to any community tank, and its unique colouring and appearance make it an eye-catching species to keep. A healthy, established tank with high water quality and plenty of hiding places is necessary for these shy creatures to feel comfortable.
Honey Gouramis are amenable to cohabitation within community aquariums alongside other congenial fish species. Nonetheless, it is imperative to provide a sufficiently capacious tank replete with an array of concealment options. This facilitates the females' respite from the occasional fervent advances exhibited by the males. Establishing a female-dominant composition serves to mitigate undue male attention, particularly during spawning phases.
Honey Gouramis are known for its beautiful honey-coloured body, complemented by fiery red and deep blue hues. Their fins have a central light yellow portion, and the rims are a striking deep orange. Females, on the other hand, have a silvery appearance with a light grey tint on their fins. It is important to note that Honey Gouramis are timid and easily stressed, so they should not be kept with aggressive or boisterous fish. When kept in the right conditions, this fish can be an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarists alike.
1 Honey Gourami variant
Below is a list of Variant/Colour Morphs of the Honey Gourami
Honey Gourami Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Honey Gouramis is generally straightforward. The male's elongated fins, specifically the pointed dorsal fin and extended anal fin rays, and brighter colouration are prominent features. In comparison, females tend to be duller and usually grow slightly larger than their male counterparts. However, some bred colour morphs can make it nearly impossible to differentiate between the sexes.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Trichogaster chuna |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1822 |
| Other Names | Sunset Gourami, Red Flame Gourami |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Anabantiformes |
| Family | Osphronemidae |
| Genus | Trichogaster |
| Origins | Bangladesh |
| Max Size | 7 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Bubble Nester |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 8 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 4 - 10 |
| ℉ | 72 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The Honey Gourami originates from the lush and vibrant lands of Bangladesh and India. These remarkable fish can be found in a variety of slow-moving water environments, including pools, ditches, swamps, rice fields, and some rivers and lakes that have thick plants and vegetation.
One of the most remarkable features of the Honey Gourami is their ability to survive in environments with meagre amounts of oxygen. These environments often have soft and poorly mineralized waters, making it difficult for many other fish species to survive. However, the Honey Gourami is uniquely adapted with a labyrinth organ that functions much like a lung; this enables them to obtain oxygen from the air at the water's surface, allowing them to thrive in poorly oxygenated waters that would be inhospitable to many other fish species.
Breeding
To successfully breed Honey Gouramis, a separate breeding tank is essential. The tank should have shallow water levels and be planted with floating plants or flowers, as the male will build a bubble nest on the surface of the water. It is also important to provide a substrate that is scattered with small sticks and leaves, which the male can use to build the nest.
Before breeding, it is crucial to condition the Gouramis with protein-rich food for at least two weeks. This will induce spawning, and the female will be able to produce healthy mature eggs. Once you have chosen your healthy, vibrant pair, place them in the breeding tank and wait for the eggs to be laid.
Once all the eggs have been laid, remove the female from the tank and leave the male to guard the eggs. After hatching, the fry should be fed with liquid food until they are big enough to fend for themselves. Breeding Honey Gouramis can be a challenging but rewarding experience for experienced aquarists.
Diet & Feeding
To maintain a healthy and contented colony of Honey Gouramis, a diverse diet is highly recommended. While they are not picky eaters and will consume almost any food given to them, a balanced diet is essential for their overall wellbeing. The bulk of their diet should consist of high-quality tropical flake or pellet food, ensuring that it provides all the necessary nutrients.
Supplementing their diet with fresh vegetables and algae wafers is also advisable, along with frozen and freeze-dried food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. It is also beneficial to include live food in their diet from time to time, as it adds variety and mimics their natural feeding behavior. A well-rounded diet is critical to maintaining the health of these fish and keeping them content.
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