Blue Gourami
Trichopodus trichopterus
Minimum Tank
30 Gallons
Adult Size
5 inches
Temperature
74-82°F (23-28°C)
pH Range
6.0-8.0
Lifespan
5 years
About Blue Gourami
The blue gourami, also known as the three-spot gourami, is a hardy and adaptable labyrinth fish from Southeast Asia, found in a variety of habitats from swamps and marshes to ditches and rice paddies across Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The name three-spot refers to two dark spots on each flank plus the eye, which together form three spots. Blue gouramis are actually a color variant of the wild-type spotted gourami, bred for their solid blue-gray coloring. Other color variants include gold, opaline, and cosby. They are robust, medium-sized gouramis that can become somewhat territorial as they mature, particularly males. Despite this, they remain one of the most popular and widely available gourami species.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 30-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 8.0
- • Category: Labyrinth
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Blue gouramis are hardy fish suitable for tanks of 20 gallons or more. They can become territorial, especially mature males, so keep only one male per tank or provide a large, well-planted setup with broken sight lines. They tolerate a wide range of conditions from 72-82°F and moderate to hard water. Provide floating plants for surface cover and bubble nest building. Feed quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. Blue gouramis may chase smaller or more timid species, so pair them with robust community fish that can hold their own. They are generally disease-resistant and long-lived. Avoid keeping multiple males in small tanks, as serious aggression can result.
Quick Facts
114L
Min Tank (30gal)
13cm
Adult Size (5")
5yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Blue Gourami
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Tank Mates for Blue Gourami
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
easy · 20+ gal
Buenos Aires Tetra
Hyphessobrycon anisitsi
easy · 20+ gal
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
easy · 20+ gal
Electric Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher var.
easy · 30+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Blue Gourami need?
A Blue Gourami needs a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (114 litres).
What water parameters does a Blue Gourami need?
Blue Gourami thrive in water between 74-82°F (23-28°C) with a pH of 6.0-8.0.
Are Blue Gourami easy to care for?
Blue Gourami are considered easy to care for. They are semi-aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Blue Gourami get and what do they eat?
Blue Gourami reach about 5 inches and are omnivores. Blue gouramis are hardy fish suitable for tanks of 20 gallons or more. They can become territorial, especially mature males, so keep only one male per tank or provide a large, well-planted setup with broken sight lines. They tolerate a wide range of conditions from 72-82°F and moderate to hard water. Provide floating plants for surface cover and bubble nest building. Feed quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. Blue gouramis may chase smaller or more timid species, so pair them with robust community fish that can hold their own. They are generally disease-resistant and long-lived. Avoid keeping multiple males in small tanks, as serious aggression can result.