Giant gourami Care Guide

The Giant Gourami is a popular yet uncommon choice for aquarists who are up for a challenge. While their care demands commitment and effort, the reward of having such a unique and striking species in your tank is well worth it.

Tank Setup

To cater to the Giant Gourami, a spacious aquarium is essential due to their potential size, reaching lengths between 30 cm and 70 cm. Each fish requires at least 200 liters, so a minimum tank size for a school of three would be 600 liters. Ensure the water pH is kept between 6.5 to 8, with a temperature range of 24°C to 30°C.

These fish are known to inhabit all levels of the tank, being surface dwellers, mid-tank dwellers, and bottom dwellers. Include plenty of hiding spots and decorations to accommodate their social and territorial behaviors, which can become highly territorial during breeding. Despite their size, Giant Gouramis can be shy, semi-aggressive, and playful, so keeping a peaceful community around them is crucial.

Feeding

Giant Gouramis are not picky eaters and thrive on a varied diet. Their diet can include flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tubifex worms. They also enjoy frozen shrimp, vegetable matter, and algae wafers. For color enhancement, provide them with specialized color-enhancing food. Additional nutrition can be provided through daphnia, micro worms, feeder fish, freeze-dried foods, and stick-on tablets.

Care

The Giant Gourami demands a high level of maintenance, requiring consistent water quality and parameters. Their moderate hardiness helps them adapt once their environment is stable, but they're sensitive to fluctuations. Regular water changes and filtering systems are critical to maintain a healthy habitat.

It's essential to observe their breeding behaviors, as they exhibit high levels of aggression during this time. Ensure enough space and visual barriers to reduce stress and conflicts among tank mates.

Summary

The Giant Gourami is best suited for those who have experience managing high-maintenance and moderately challenging setups. Their unique personality, combined with their impressive size, makes them rewarding for dedicated aquarists who can give them the care they need.