Gourami Fish Care

Gourami Fish Care

gourami fish with feelers like antennas

                                     Gourami is one of the most commonly kept community freshwater aquarium fish native to Asian countries like India, Pakistan and some northeast parts of Korea. Gourami is a very easy fish to take care of as it is highly adaptable to various water conditions.

pearl gourami nearby a plantation

                                     Normally regarded as a peaceful fish sometimes gouramies can become slightly aggressive especially to their own species. Usually, males are aggressive with each other. But gouramies are also seen to co-exist in an aquarium tank with lots of other freshwater fishes like molly, plecos, silver dollars, neon tetras, guppies, etc.

blue coloured gourami fish

                                     They have a feeler like antennas in front of each of their pelvic fins. Gourami also possesses a labyrinth organ like betta fish to breathe atmospheric oxygen from the water surface.

Dwarf body gourami fish

                                     The most commonly available species of gourami kept in a freshwater aquarium are as follows;

• Kissing Gourami
• Blue Gourami
• Dwarf Gourami
• Moonlight Gourami
• Chocolate Gourami
• Pearl Gourami                                    

                                     Gouramies (Osphronemidae) can grow up to 5-6 inches in size depending upon its species. Some species of gouramies are mouth brooders just like a betta fish and are also seen creating bubble nests for their offsprings.  

  

                                      Important Factors & practices to keep your Gourami happy & healthy are as follows:          

• Water Condition: The tank water condition plays an important role in maintaining proper health and growth of your gourami. As for different species of gouramies, the optimal water temperature required is different and it usually ranges from 22-30°C. Hence a water heater is needed for gouramies to maintain the optimal water temperature as their natural habitat consists of slightly warm water. Apart from the water temperature, a pair of gouramies should be kept in the least 20 gallons of water with plenty of aquarium plants, sand and rocks as it can help mimic its natural environment.
• Water Filtration: Any over the counter aquarium water filtration system can be used for gouramies with proper and regular weekly water change of the aquarium tank.
• pH Level: The pH level is different for different species of gouramies and it ranges from 6.0 to 8.8 which is slightly acidic.
• Feeding: Gouramies are omnivorous fish naturally and hence they can feed on varieties of small fish, shrimps, flakes, dried pellets as well as plants. But it is always recommended to use a proper balance between the meaty food as well as veggie while feeding your gourami. It is also seen that some species like kissing gouramies are totally dependent on veggies as their food.

                                  In case you have any queries related to this post or if you want me to get any more information on Gourami, you can comment in the comment box & I'll try to answer your query at the earliest.