Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
2 inches
Temperature
72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
5 years
About Honey Gourami
The honey gourami is a gentle, small labyrinth fish from the vegetated ponds, ditches, and slow-moving streams of India and Bangladesh. Wild males display a warm honey-gold body that deepens to a rich amber-orange during breeding, while females are a more subdued tan with a brownish lateral stripe. The commonly sold sunset or red honey gourami is a selectively bred color variant with intensified orange-red coloring. Honey gouramis are among the most peaceful of all gourami species and are far less prone to the aggression and disease issues that plague dwarf gouramis. Their small size, gentle temperament, and beautiful warm coloring make them ideal for small, peaceful community tanks.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • 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
Honey gouramis are perfect for tanks as small as 10 gallons with gentle filtration and plenty of plants, including floating species. They prefer warm, soft water at 72-82°F with minimal current. Males build bubble nests and are devoted fathers. Unlike dwarf gouramis, honey gouramis are not susceptible to iridovirus, making them a much safer purchase. Keep them with other gentle species like small tetras, rasboras, and corydoras. They can be shy initially but become more confident in well-planted tanks with calm tankmates. Feed small pellets, crushed flakes, and frozen foods like daphnia and baby brine shrimp. Avoid housing with boisterous or aggressive species.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
5cm
Adult Size (2")
5yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Honey Gourami
Related Species You Might Like
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
Moonlight Gourami
Trichopodus microlepis
Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila
Betta Fish
Betta splendens
Paradise Fish
Macropodus opercularis
Tank Mates for Honey Gourami
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
easy · 10+ gal
Lambchop Rasbora
Trigonostigma espei
easy · 10+ gal
Black Phantom Tetra
Hyphessobrycon megalopterus
easy · 15+ gal
Diamond Tetra
Moenkhausia pittieri
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Honey Gourami need?
A Honey Gourami needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres).
What water parameters does a Honey Gourami need?
Honey Gourami thrive in water between 72-82°F (22-28°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Honey Gourami easy to care for?
Honey Gourami are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 5 years.
How big do Honey Gourami get and what do they eat?
Honey Gourami reach about 2 inches and are omnivores. Honey gouramis are perfect for tanks as small as 10 gallons with gentle filtration and plenty of plants, including floating species. They prefer warm, soft water at 72-82°F with minimal current. Males build bubble nests and are devoted fathers. Unlike dwarf gouramis, honey gouramis are not susceptible to iridovirus, making them a much safer purchase. Keep them with other gentle species like small tetras, rasboras, and corydoras. They can be shy initially but become more confident in well-planted tanks with calm tankmates. Feed small pellets, crushed flakes, and frozen foods like daphnia and baby brine shrimp. Avoid housing with boisterous or aggressive species.