Blue Gourami
Trichopodus trichopterus
Also sold as Three Spot Gourami
Synonyms Gold gourami · Opaline gourami · Cosby gourami
Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 15 cm (5.9 in) and swims in open water. It wants 75–86°F (24–30°C) and pH 5.5–8.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 81 L (21 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
Try it in a tank
Put Blue Gourami in a 3D tank at your size and see how it sits with everything else. Free with an account.
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Minimum tank | 81 L (21 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 75–86°F (24–30°C) |
| pH | 5.5–8.5 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 4–6 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Blue Gourami needs at least 81 L (21 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 60H Tall.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Iridescent Shark, Senegal Bichir and Black Ghost Knifefish: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 75–86°F (24–30°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- One of them takes up roughly 40% of what a 60H Tall will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
Blue Gourami: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 81 L (21 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 60H Tall.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
75–86°F (24–30°C), pH 5.5–8.5.
How long does it live?
4–6 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.
Often compared with
| Blue Gourami | Pearl Gourami | Electric Blue Acara | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 15 cm | 12 cm | 15 cm |
| Min tank | 81 L | 110 L | 144 L |
| Group | 1+ | 2+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 75–86°F (24–30°C) | 75–82°F (24–28°C) | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | Yes |