Gourami Species

Updated September 23, 2018
Author: Mike - FishLore Admin
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The Gourami and Betta fish species presented here have the ability to breathe air from the surface of the tank when oxygen levels are low or depleted in the aquarium water. This ability comes from a specialized organ called the labryinth organ. If you are keeping one of these species, try to keep a bit of open space above the tank water for them to use this organ if necessary.

These fish also have the reputation of not getting along with members of the same species, especially bettas. Do not house multiple male bettas in the same tank. Use caution when the other species when keeping multiple males in the same tank. You may also see some aggression dealt out by these fish to their tank mates (other species) in cramped quarters. The Kissing Gourami can be especially annoying at times regarding its behavior toward tank mates.


Betta and Gourami

Betta
Betta splendens
Betta
The Betta is ubiquitous and is a favorite for many fish keepers.
Blue Gourami
Trichogaster trichopterus
Blue Gourami
The fairly hardy Blue Gourami gets to be about 6 inches as adults. Can be temperamental with other gouramis.
Dwarf Gourami
Colisa lalia
Dwarf Gourami
The Dwarf Gourami is another beauty that can get aggressive with other dwarf gouramis.
Giant Gourami
Osphronemus goramy
Giant Gourami
Needs a very large aquarium and grows too big for most tanks.
Kissing Gourami
Helostoma temmincki
Kissing Gourami
Best to keep only one Kissing Gourami per tank because they will pester smaller Kissing Gouramis. The kissing action is actually an act of aggression.
Mahachai Betta
Betta sp. Mahachai
Mahachai Betta
The Mahachai Betta is a wild caught betta. The Mahachai Betta is one of the newest additions to the Betta world.
Moonlight Gourami
Trichogaster microlepis
Moonlight Gourami
Many are mellow, timid, shy and peaceful but some are more boisterous, and even aggresive. Females are more peaceful than males, who can become fairly territorial as they age.
Paradise Gourami
Macropodus opercularis
Paradise Fish
Considered one of the more aggressive gouramis. Be careful when choosing tank mates.
Peaceful Betta
Betta imbellis
Peaceful Betta
Peaceful to other species in the aquarium and don't stand such a good chance of being nipped as the standard Betta - B.splendens
Pearl Gourami
Trichogaster leeri
Pearl Gourami
Male Pearl Gouramis may bicker with each other, but overall this is generally a good community fish.
Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis Pumila
Sparkling Pygmy Gourami
A smaller gourami species with very nice colors.