Honey Gourami

Honey gourami, belonging to the gourami family, is a freshwater fish indigenous to the Asian countries of Bangladesh and India. They acquire their name because of their honey-like yellowish-brown body. They are one among the several fish species to build bubble nests during mating. Their colorful appearance and pleasing demeanor make them a perfect aquarium fish.

Quick Information

Scientific Name	Trichogaster chuna
Other Names	Honey dwarf gourami
Origin	India, Bangladesh
Type	Freshwater fish
Conservation Status	Least Concern (by the IUCN)
Behavioral Characteristics	Easy-going, hardy, timid, active, peaceful
School Size	Though not ideal for schooling, they do well when kept in a group of 4 – 6 (males honey gouramis get aggressive towards one another and should only be kept together if they have a big area to peacefully establish their territory)
Physical Traits	Narrow body, small anal and dorsal fins, as well as thread-like ventral fins
Colors	The males and females vary when it comes to colorations; it is silvery grey or light yellow at the beginning for both the sexes; Males: Reddish-orange or yellowish-brown body at maturation, an orangish tinge around their throat that brighten during the breeding period, black undersides with tinges of orange on their fins, barring the caudal fins Females: Retain the silvery-grey or light yellow shades throughout, also appearing paler than males
Size (How big do they get)	Males: 3 inches (7.62 cm); Females: 2 inches (5.08 cm)
Lifespan	Approximately 5 – 8 years
Sexual Dimorphism	Present; Males: Big and bright with longer fins; Females: Smaller and paler with shorter fins
Probable Diseases	Velvet disease (caused by a parasite), white spot, hole in the head
Approximate Price (How much is it for)	$5 – 8

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Beginner
Tank Size	10 gallons (37.8 liters)

Water Parameters

pH Level	6.0  – 7.5
Temperature	79° to 83°F (26 to 28°C)
Hardness	4 – 15 dGH
Aquarium  Water Flow	Low

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Subdued
Substrate Type	Sand, live rocks, pebbles, and also plants
Tank Mates	Compatible with: Harlequin rasbora, species of corydoras, guppies, endlers, small plecos, tetras (like the neon tetra), bettas (preferably females, and big tank size is a mandate), and angelfish (provided if a single species of it is kept); can even do well with snails Incompatible with: Other honey gouramis (especially males), gourami species like the pearl gourami; clown barbs and tiger barbs; as well as shrimps (since the honey gourami can eat them)
Suitable Position in the Tank	Middle or top

Feeding

Diet	Live or frozen diet of brine shrimp, tubifex, and blood worms; algae-based flakes; pellets; and vegetable tablets
Frequency	2 times a day

Important Things to Know for Fish Keepers

• Many have often mentioned of their honey gourami getting darker or turning black. There is no cause to worry as this is a common breeding behavior, mainly when building a bubble nest. If they show other symptoms like lack of appetite and restlessness, alongside their black spots, then consult a veterinarian at once.
• A properly lidded aquarium is essential as the honey gouramis often tend to jump out.

FAQs