If you are looking for aquarium fish that combine beauty, interesting behavior, and relative unpretentiousness, gouramis are an excellent choice. These amazing creatures with large, expressive whisker fins have long won the hearts of aquarists around the world.
In nature, gouramis inhabit calm, densely vegetated water bodies in Asia. This environment has left its mark on their character: they are usually peaceful, unhurried, and love hiding places. Their famous whiskers are modified pectoral fins that help them navigate in murky water.
In this article, we will introduce you to the huge variety of these fish, from the classic blue and marble gouramis to rare and bright species. You will learn everything you need to know to keep them comfortably: from choosing the right aquarium and neighbors to the finer points of feeding.
We will also take a detailed look at the reproduction process, which is truly fascinating in gouramis. The male builds a real nest of bubbles on the surface of the water, where he then places the eggs. Watching this care is a great joy for any lover of the underwater world.
Description of gourami aquarium fish
The general name gourami encompasses several species of fish that belong to different families:
- Macropodidae (Osphronemidae).
- Anabantidae or climbing perch (Anabantidae).
- Helostomatidae (Helostomatidae).
The direct translation of the common name “gourami” is “fish that sticks its nose out of the water.” It is difficult to tell everything about gouramis, as this group of aquarium inhabitants is very diverse, and even includes predatory fish.
The direct translation of the common name “gourami” is “fish that sticks its nose out of the water.”
In natural conditions, gouramis are found on the Indian subcontinent and in Southeast Asia. They prefer small bodies of water with warm water and rich vegetation.
Appearance
Outwardly, all varieties have significant similarities. The body is large and compressed from the sides. The fins on the bottom and top are located along the entire length of the body, from the head to the tail. The side fins are modified and resemble threads. Because of this feature, they are often called threadfin gouramis. They have reinforced receptors that help them quickly orient themselves among algae.
The most important feature of gouramis is their labyrinth organ. This is a cluster of bony plates covered with mucous membrane. The organ is completely permeated with capillaries. It acts as lungs. The labyrinth organ helps the fish survive in conditions of low oxygen content in the water: gouramis periodically rise to the surface and take in air.
The most important feature of gouramis is their labyrinth organ.
If such a fish is denied access to the surface, it will die.
Most gourami are medium-sized (about 10 cm). But there are species that reach 20-25 cm (for example, snake gourami). Rarely found in aquariums is a commercial species that reaches 100 cm in length. The color of the scales varies depending on the species of gourami. Most often, males are more brightly colored than females.
Behavioral characteristics
Gouramis are common inhabitants of home aquariums. Most aquarists have positive reviews. This is due to the main characteristics of the fish's behavior:
- undemanding;
- attractive appearance.
- peaceful nature.
Gouramis are sociable. If you touch the glass with your finger, the curious inhabitant will become noticeably more active. The fish will raise its whiskers, indicating its desire to explore the unfamiliar object.
Gouramis have an attractive appearance and a peaceful nature.
But there are also disadvantages in the behavior of this fish:
- frequent aggression between males.
- there is a high probability that gouramis will jump out if there is no cover.
- for comfort, the fish need dense algae.
You can watch gourami fish for hours.
Life expectancy
The lifespan of these aquarium dwellers directly depends on the species of gourami, as well as the conditions in which they are kept. Under optimal conditions, the average lifespan is about 5-7 years.
Feeding affects the lifespan of aquarium inhabitants. A proper balanced diet can extend the life of fish by several years.
Growing conditions
Gouramis are loved by modern aquarium owners for their endurance and unpretentiousness. A distinctive feature is the presence of a special organ that allows fish of this species to capture atmospheric air above the water surface. This feature allows gouramis to adapt to any conditions and live normally in various ranges of acidity and hardness.
Gouramis are loved by modern aquarium owners for their endurance and unpretentiousness.
However, the most favorable and suitable conditions for gouramis are:
- water temperature within +25-27 °C;
- acidity – 6-6.8 pH;
- hardness – no more than 10° dH.
Maintaining the temperature is the most important factor. If the conditions are not maintained, the fish will become ill and die.
It is important to equip an aquarium with gouramis with algae—the surroundings of the fish should be beautiful. Plants are placed in groups so that the fish have enough space. It is essential to have floating algae in the water, such as pistia or riccia. The leaves of the algae will soften the bright light. Gouramis build nests under them to hide their fry.
It is essential to install a cover over the aquarium. It will protect the fish from dying when they jump out. But this is not its only role—the cover creates an optimal microenvironment above the water. This is important because gouramis periodically rise above the water to gulp air.
A variety of substrates are used for aquariums. But bright fish look better on a dark substrate. Suitable:
- small pebbles;
- river sand;
- granite chips.
Gouramis require light for normal development. Moreover, lamps should be placed exclusively above the tank, as the fish spend most of their time in the upper layers of the water. The duration of daylight hours should be at least 11-14 hours, and artificial lighting should be turned off at night.
Compatibility with other aquarium inhabitants
In general, this species of fish is characterized by a calm, peaceful nature. Therefore, it is not difficult to find neighbors for them. Sometimes males may conflict with each other. Most often, clashes occur in a crowded tank.
Experts recommend keeping this species in small groups: 1 male and 2-3 females.
Several species get along perfectly well. But other inhabitants are also suitable as neighbors:
- danios;
- rainbowfish;
- minnows;
- neons;
- tetras;
- lalius;
- pecilias;
- catfish;
- swordtails;
- mollies;
- macropods.
This species of fish is characterized by a calm temperament, so it is not difficult to find neighbors for them.
However, it is not recommended to combine gouramis with some other species:
- guppies often fall prey to larger threadfin fish;
- angelfish become aggressive towards their neighbors during the breeding season;
- often come into conflict with loaches;
- barbs damage the thin fins of gouramis;
- labeo naturally do not tolerate neighbors; they prefer solitude.
The listed species are placed together with gouramis if a spacious tank is installed. But there are a number of aquarium fish that should never be kept together with gouramis:
- goldfish;
- cockfish;
- astronotus;
- cichlids;
- discus fish.
Many aquarists combine cichlids and gouramis, but they should be approximately the same size.
Gouramis are one of the most popular aquarium fish: peaceful, beautiful, and not too picky to care for. They come in hundreds of shades and shapes, but even a beginner can handle them — the main thing is to provide clean water, calm neighbors, and some hiding places in the aquarium. Many species, such as honey gouramis and labyrinth gouramis, breed easily, especially if you create the right conditions for them: warm water, a quiet place, and good food. This article will tell you about 40 species of gouramis, how to care for them, what to feed them, and how to help them breed.
Feeding rules
Most gourami species are omnivorous fish, with only a few species being predators. But in captivity, even the latter will not refuse various foods, even those of plant origin.
Most varieties of gouramis are omnivorous fish.
In nature, labyrinth fish feed on:
- bottom fauna;
- plant debris;
- invertebrates;
- food waste;
- insects;
- larvae.
In home aquariums, gouramis can be offered the following types of food:
- frozen and dry ready-made feed;
- bloodworms;
- chopped vegetables (previously blanched);
- tubeworms;
- spirulina tablets;
- daphnia.
Gouramis are fed frozen and dry food, bloodworms, tubifex, daphnia, spirulina, and vegetables.
The main rule is that food should be small in size. Since gouramis have small mouths, large food is not suitable for them.
Fish of this species can easily tolerate starvation. They can go without food for up to 2 weeks. It is useful to arrange fasting days for this species of fish.
How to distinguish males from females
Sexual dimorphism in gouramis is well pronounced. Males can be distinguished from females by three main characteristics:
- Size and shape. Males have an elongated, slender, and larger body. Females are more graceful and rounded.
- Dorsal and anal fins. Male fins are larger and pointed, while female fins are smaller and rounded.
- Scale coloration. Males are more brightly colored, and other shades appear during the spawning season. After reproduction, the color gradually fades.
Sexual dimorphism in gouramis is well pronounced
Males can also be identified by their behavior. Males often chase females, who hide in algae and other shelters.
If there is obvious persecution by males, the fish are ready to spawn.
Reproduction
Gourami fish usually reach sexual maturity at 8-12 months of age. Spawning occurs about 4-5 times at intervals of 10-12 days. In one spawning, the number of eggs is about 200.
The easiest way to distinguish males from females is by their dorsal fin. In males, it is pointed and elongated, while in females, on the contrary, it is short and rounded. During spawning, the color of the scales of males becomes the most vivid. For spawning, a separate tank (spawning tank) with a volume of about 20-30 liters and a water level of 10-15 cm is prepared.
A spawning tank is essential, as other fish may eat the fry and eggs.
Approximately two weeks before the expected spawning, the pairs are transferred and provided with a high-protein diet. Water heated to +28-30 °C is used as a stimulus.
Males are engaged in nest building, connecting air bubbles with saliva. The shelter for the offspring reaches 5 cm. Construction takes about a day. If the female is not completely ready to spawn, the male actively pursues her. It would be useful to prepare shelters in advance.
The male is primarily responsible for caring for the eggs. He collects them with his mouth and places them in the nest. The larvae appear after a day. After another three days, they begin to feed independently and leave the nest.
On the third day, the fry begin to feed independently and leave the nest.
During this period, males are removed from the spawning tank. They try to return the fry, damaging them.
At first, fry need clean water that is well saturated with oxygen. The labyrinth organ will only appear after 2-3 weeks. Excess food should be removed from the water. With proper care, the fry will develop quickly, but not evenly. Therefore, the fish are sorted by size.
As you can see, the world of gouramis is surprisingly diverse. From tiny dwarf gouramis to majestic pearl gouramis and bright honey gouramis, there is a fish to suit everyone's taste. The main thing that unites them is not only their beauty, but also their interesting, sometimes amusing behavior, which will leave no one indifferent.
Caring for these labyrinth fish is generally not difficult. The key to success is stable, clean water, peaceful neighbors, and sufficient hiding places and plants. Remember their sensitive thread-like whiskers, which can easily be damaged by rough decor.
If you provide your gouramis with comfortable conditions, they will surely reward you. Many species readily show off their best colors and even build nests out of bubbles for their future offspring. Watching this process is a great joy for the aquarist.
Ultimately, gouramis are an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarium enthusiasts. They will bring not only color and movement to your home aquarium, but also a piece of the amazing nature of Southeast Asia. Good luck in keeping these wonderful fish!
