Trichopsis vittata
Named for the audible croaking sound males make when displaying. Hardier than sparkling gourami and tolerates a broader range of parameters. The right nano gourami for a peaceful community of small tetras and rasboras.
Croaking Gourami (Trichopsis vittata) reaches 5–7 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 60 L. Native to Mekong basin and peninsular Thailand, it lives in the mid to top water column with a peaceful temperament. Aim for 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 2–15 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 3–5 years with good care. Croaking Gourami can be kept singly or in a small group. Diet: carnivore, Small pellet, frozen daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Yes (with adults).
Care at a glance
Named for the audible croaking sound males make when displaying. Hardier than sparkling gourami and tolerates a broader range of parameters. The right nano gourami for a peaceful community of small tetras and rasboras.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether croaking gourami fits in your tank.
Mid to top
No
Can be kept solo
Osphronemidae
Carnivore
Small pellet, frozen daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp.
3–5 yrs
Medium
Mekong basin and peninsular Thailand
Mekong basin and peninsular Thailand
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Croaking Gourami (Trichopsis vittata) needs a minimum tank of 60 L. They live in the mid to top water column and can be kept singly, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 2–15 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Yes (with adults). Plant safety: Yes.
Croaking Gourami are carnivore. Small pellet, frozen daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: medium.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 3–5 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
