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).

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.

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)

More livestock

Plan a tank with Thick-lipped Gourami →

Sources (3) · checked Sep 2026