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Gourami

Pet Rating System:  1= Lowest   5 = Highest

Gouramis	1	2	3	4	5
Ease Of Care
Temperament
Intelligence
Cost of Upkeep
Lifespan

Overall Rating:  1/2

Our rating of the Gouramis is based on the fact that they are a freshwater fish that is easy to care for.  They do not require special foods and are not picky eaters.   This makes them an ideal fish for a beginner.

Species Information   

These freshwater fish have a feature that makes them part of a unique group of fish called Labyrinths.  They belong to this group because they have a specialized organ called a labyrinth that allows them to breathe air not just with their gills but with the labyrinth.  In low oxygen water environments, the gouramis are able to gulb air from above the water surface and pass it over the labryinth and filter out the oxygen they need.   Most gouramis also have long ventral fins (underneath the body) which they swing all around as if feeling things and are probably used for show.  

Gouramis are easy to care for because of their hardiness in captivity.   They come in a variety of sizes ranging from 1 inch (dwarf) to 10 inches in length.  It is important to keep their adult size in mind when choosing a gourami for your aquarium.  Their colors are as varied as the rainbow from silver, golden, pearl, spots, stripes, blue tints and even chocolate.  The kissing gouramis we have pictured are a popular choice because the males are not actually kissing but  "sparring" or pushing.  Gouramis are non-aggressive to semi-aggressive community fish.  Gouramis are easy to feed because they are not picky.   They will eat flake, freeze-dried or frozen food.  Be sure to provide a well planted aquarium because they like to hang-out under plants.  Gouramis are sexed by the shape of the dorsal fin (top) which in males is usually longer and more pointed.  Males are also more colorful in most species.  An interesting characteristic of most species of gourami is that they build a nest of bubbles at the surface where tend to their eggs and when rogue baby decides to escape, the father grabs the baby in his mouth and spits him back in the nest!

A Gourami makes an interesting learning experience for any aquarist.

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DISCLAIMER:  The information contained in this website is not intended to be a substitute for Veterinary Care.  If you have any questions or problems, always consult with your Veterinarian.