Do Honey Gouramis need to be kept in pairs?

No, they can be kept solitary, in pairs, or in small groups. A pair or a harem (one male with two or more females) is the most common and visually rewarding way to keep them, as it encourages natural social behaviours.

Why is my Honey Gourami gasping at the surface?

Going to the surface to gulp air is completely normal behaviour; they possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric oxygen. However, if they are constantly gasping or hanging at the surface lethargically, it may indicate poor water quality or a lack of dissolved oxygen in the tank.

Can I keep two male Honey Gouramis together?

It is possible in a larger, heavily planted aquarium where they can establish separate territories. In smaller tanks (under 80 litres), they may squabble constantly, leading to stress. Keeping one male with multiple females is usually much safer.

Are Honey Gouramis safe with shrimp?

Adult Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp are generally ignored because the Honey Gourami's mouth is quite small. However, tiny, newly hatched shrimplets will likely be viewed as a snack, so a densely planted tank is required if you want a shrimp colony to grow.

Why are my Honey Gourami's colours dull?

Dull colouration can be due to stress from aggressive tankmates, poor water quality, or a lack of hiding spots. Additionally, females and sub-dominant males are naturally much paler than dominant, breeding males. Feeding a high-quality varied diet can help enhance their colours.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Honey Gourami

Trichogaster chuna

A peaceful, brightly coloured labyrinth fish perfect for heavily planted, gentle-flowing nano or community aquariums.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 27 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 4 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 4 – 5 cm
for a pair or small trio: 45 litres+
Lifespan: 4 – 8 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Low
Preferred setup: Densely planted with floating vegetation to provide cover and aid bubble nest construction.

About the Honey Gourami

The Honey Gourami is one of the most endearing and well-mannered labyrinth fishes available in the hobby. Boasting a beautiful golden-honey hue—which becomes particularly vivid in displaying males—this small species is a wonderful focal point for modest community setups. They are deliberate, graceful swimmers that use their modified thread-like pelvic fins to continuously feel their surroundings. Because they stay under 5 cm, they are an excellent choice for smaller tanks.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Honey Gourami against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Honey Gourami comes from

Native range

South Asia

Countries / regions

India, Bangladesh

Habitat

Sluggish rivers, lakes, ponds, and flooded fields with dense vegetation and minimal water flow.

Most specimens in the aquarium trade are commercially bred rather than wild-caught.

Similar species

Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Thick-lipped Gourami
Trichogaster labiosa
Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Peaceful, active middle-dwellers that will not nip the gourami's delicate pelvic filaments.
Great
Corydoras
Corydoras spp.
Calm bottom-dwellers that completely ignore mid-to-top dwelling labyrinth fish.
Great
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
Nocturnal and bottom-dwelling; they occupy a completely different zone and are incredibly peaceful.
Great
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Adult shrimp are generally safe from the small mouths of Honey Gouramis, but newborn shrimplets may be hunted.
Compatible with caution
Guppies
Poecilia reticulata
Bright, active males might occasionally irritate a nesting male gourami, though they usually coexist fine in adequately sized tanks.
Compatible with caution
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Notorious fin-nippers that will relentlessly target the gourami's long, thread-like pelvic fins.
Not recommended
Siamese Fighting Fish
Betta splendens
As a related labyrinth fish, Bettas are highly likely to display severe aggression towards Honey Gouramis.
Not recommended

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