Thick-lipped Gourami
Trichogaster labiosa
Also sold as Thick lip gourami
Thick-lipped Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 10 cm (3.9 in) and swims in open water. It wants 72–81°F (22–27°C) and pH 6–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 67 L (18 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
Try it in a tank
Put Thick-lipped 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 | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Minimum tank | 67 L (18 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Lifespan | 4–6 years |
Before it goes in
- Thick-lipped Gourami needs at least 67 L (18 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Oscar, Clown Loach and Iridescent Shark: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 72–81°F (22–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- One of them takes up roughly 24% of what a 20 Gallon High will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
Thick-lipped Gourami: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 67 L (18 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.
What water does it want?
72–81°F (22–27°C), pH 6–7.5.
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: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Thick-lipped Gourami | Dwarf Gourami | Honey Gourami | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 10 cm | 8 cm | 5 cm |
| Min tank | 67 L | 40 L | 40 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 72–81°F (22–27°C) | 75–82°F (24–28°C) | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |