Trichopodus trichopterus
Hardy, beginner-friendly gourami sold in blue, gold, opaline, and lavender colour morphs. Males can be aggressive toward each other and toward smaller surface-dwellers, never keep multiple males together. A 150 L tank with floating plants suits a single male and 3–4 females.
Three-spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) reaches 10–15 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 150 L. Native to Southeast Asia, it lives in the mid to top water column with a semi-aggressive (males territorial) temperament. Aim for 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 5–8 years with good care. Three-spot Gourami can be kept singly or in a small group. Diet: omnivore, Pellet, flake, frozen bloodworm, blanched veg. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Adults only (eats shrimplets).
Care at a glance
Hardy, beginner-friendly gourami sold in blue, gold, opaline, and lavender colour morphs. Males can be aggressive toward each other and toward smaller surface-dwellers, never keep multiple males together. A 150 L tank with floating plants suits a single male and 3–4 females.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether three-spot gourami fits in your tank.
Mid to top
No
Harem · single male or harem
Osphronemidae
Omnivore
Pellet, flake, frozen bloodworm, blanched veg.
5–8 yrs
Easy (bubble-nest builder)
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
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.
Three-spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) needs a minimum tank of 150 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 6.0–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Adults only (eats shrimplets). Plant safety: Yes.
Three-spot Gourami are omnivore. Pellet, flake, frozen bloodworm, blanched veg.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 1/5. Almost unkillable, a solid first-tank choice. Breeding difficulty: easy (bubble-nest builder).
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 5–8 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
