Blue Gourami     Trichogaster trichopterus

Also called the Three Spot Gourami.  Color varieties include the Opaline Gouramis, Platinum Gouramis and Gold Gouramis.  Blue Gouramis have dark blue spots that appear in the middle of the body and where the tail meets the body.  The third "spot" is the actually the eye of the fish.

Grows to: 4"

Hobbyist Level:  A hardy fish suitable for beginners.

How Many?  They are best kept as a single male with one or more females.  Males are often very territorial.  To keep multiple males, a large enough tank should be provided so each male can establish its own territory.

Housing:  Provide plenty of swimming room as well as some bushy plants for hiding.  They prefer thick vegetation.  They swim in the mid to upper region of the tank.  They possess a labyrinth organ which permits them to breath air directly.  You will often see gouramis gulping air at the surface.  They enjoy a slow water current.  Minimum tank size is about 20 gallons. (Temperature- 72-80),  (pH 6.0-8.0)

Tank mates:  They are durable fish that can readily mix with a variety of other community fish including tetras, barbs, sharks, and angels. 

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods.  Feed flakes, along with blood worms, brine shrimp and frozen foods.  They are an omnivore.

Natural Habitat:  Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, & Vietnam.   Fish sold at Elmer's are domestically raised.

Males and Females:  Males may be slightly more colorful and will have a longer and more pointed dorsal fin as commonly seen in gouramis.  Females have a shorter, more rounded dorsal fin. 

Color Varieties:  Gold Gouramis, Opaline Gouramis, Platinum Gouramis

 

 

The Gold Gourami color variant. The Platinum Gourami color variant.