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Giant GouramiCommon Gourami ~ True GouramiFamily: Osphronemidae Osphronemus goramyPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken ChildsLatest Reader Comment - See More Hi everyone I have got a giant gouarmi that has not eaten in around two weeks he does not seem to be ill but I am worried. What should I do? Can someone please help... (more) Sean O'donohue The Giant Gourami is the largest of all labyrinth fishes...big, powerful, and an overall awesome fish to keep!Giant Gourami Contents This is a stunning fish when it gets large. In their natural environment, natives have reported lengths of 60 cm (24 inches) and it has even been suggested that the Giant Gourami can get as large as 70 cm (28 inches). Wow! One big gourami! They are usually sold in sizes of 4 - 8 cm (1 1/2 - 2 1/2 inches) in pet stores, and are scarce in captivity over 40 cm (16 inches). When they are small, they have an attractive banded coloration of black and gold. As they get older they turn the color of the fish in the photo or sometimes completely black. Though the Giant Gourami will grow into a very large strong fish, they make a very personable pet. They will come to know you and some people even report being able to pet their fish. They will need a very large aquarium, and because of their appetite will put a load on the water and the filtration. A weekly water change is recommended and needed. Giant Gourami are considered a delicacy and are used as a food fish in their native areas. For more Information on keeping this fish see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Giant Gourami was described by Lacepède in 1801. They are found in the waters of China, Java, Malaysia, eastern India where they inhabit both rivers as well as canals where the water moves more sluggishly. They are considered an important and savored food source.
- Scientific Name: Osphronemus goramy
- Social Grouping: Pairs - Can be kept singly or in pairs. Groups are possible with a large enough aquarium.
- IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed
The Giant Gourami has a compressed, oval shaped body and a blunt head. As juveniles their head is pointed, and they have 8 - 10 dark bars,giving them a black and gold striped appearance, and they have yellow fins. This coloration fades as they mature becoming rather plain, generally a brownish black or even an overall pinkish to white coloration. Mature males will develop a 'nuchal hump', a swollen knob or lump on the forehead.
Like all other gouramis they can breath air, generally gulping it at the water's surface. They have a special 'labyrinth organ' which acts like a lung which enables them to survive in oxygen-depleted waters.
- Maximum Size: 28.0 inches (71.12 cm)
- Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Difficult - This species is very robust however the tank requirements mean a lot of work and commitment on the aquarist's part.
- Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
Since they are omnivores, the Giant Gourami will generally eat all kinds of foods. Although it can be a voracious predator, this fish will eat almost any freshwater aquarium foods if it is trained to do so at an early age. If they are mainly fed live fish, your food bills will be very high so it is suggested that you start to train them on the dried foods as soon as they are obtained. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake or pelleted food everyday. They are not very picky eaters.
In the wild they will eat aquatic algae as well as fish, crustaceans, frogs, worms, and even dead meat. Besides offering them regular fish foods, they will even eat cooked meat, bread, boiled potatoes and other vegetables. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms as a treat. Sometimes, predatory fish that are never fed any live fish will grow up not knowing that other fish should be considered dinner. There are reports of large sized Giant Gouramis living peacefully with small tetras or danios
These fish grow large (huge actually) so as adults they will need a very large aquarium, 200 gallons is recommended. You will also want to be sure to have a good filtration system and do large weekly water changes, with 25% or more being reasonable. As they are large and active, they will need minimal tank decorations.
- Diet Type: Omnivore
- Flake Food: Yes - Specimens may need to be taught to accept processed foods and it is recommended that the fish keeper begin this as soon as the fish is acquired.
- Tablet Pellet: Yes
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day
Giant Gourami (male)
- Water Changes: Weekly - Due to their size, make sure you have good filtration and do weekly water changes!
- Minimum Tank Size: 175 gal (662 L)
- Substrate Type: Any
- Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
- Temperature: 68.0 - 86.0° F (20.0 - 30.0° C) - Keep the surrounding room temperature consistent with the water temperature to avoid causing trauma to the labyrinth organ.
- Range ph: 6.0-8.0
- Hardness Range: 5 - 25 dGH
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Moderate
- Water Region: All
The Giant Gourami are generally a good community fish. Somewhat loners, they may fight fish of the same species when they are young. As they get older they mellow out but their size will allow them to eat smaller fish, so watch out for any smaller tankmates. Also, males tend to be aggressive to one another and may fight, rendering the well known gourami "kiss" in an aggressive ritualized manner.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Peaceful - This fish will become increasingly predatory with age, so choose tankmates with care.
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Monitor
- Slow Swimmers & Eaters (): Safe
The male Giant Gourami has longer and more pointed dorsal and anal fins. Mature males will also develop a 'nuchal hump', a swollen knob or lump on the forehead.
Like most fish in this family, the Giant Gourami are bubble nest builders. The male will build a ball-shaped nest out of bits of plants just below the surface of the water. Their eggs as well as the fry, are lighter than water and float to the top.
See the description of how to breed labyrinth fish in Breeding Freshwater Fish.
- Ease of Breeding: Moderate - Although the fish is not difficult to breed, the breeding tank must be massive.
The Giant Gourami is readily available and is inexpensive. Specimens run about $6.00 USD and up.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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