Can I keep multiple Thick-Lipped Gouramis together?

Yes, but if keeping a group, it is best to have one male with two or three females to prevent male-on-male territorial disputes. A very large tank with plenty of line-of-sight breaks can house multiple males.

Why is my Thick-Lipped Gourami gulping air at the surface?

This is entirely normal behaviour. Gouramis possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, which is essential for their survival in poorly oxygenated natural waters.

What is the difference between a Thick-Lipped Gourami and a Dwarf Gourami?

The Thick-Lipped Gourami grows slightly larger, has noticeably thicker lips, and generally lacks the bold, solid neon vertical stripes of the Dwarf Gourami. Crucially, Thick-Lipped Gouramis are much hardier and not prone to Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus.

Will a Thick-Lipped Gourami eat my aquarium shrimp?

They might opportunistically eat tiny newborn shrimplets, but adult dwarf shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp) are usually left alone. However, a heavily planted tank is still recommended to give shrimp places to hide.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Thick-Lipped Gourami

Trichogaster labiosa

A hardy and peaceful labyrinth fish from Southeast Asia, the Thick-Lipped Gourami is known for its distinctive protruding lips and attractive, subtle colouration.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 4 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 8 – 10 cm
80L: 80 litres+
Lifespan: 4 – 7 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: low
Preferred setup: Heavily planted with floating plants to provide shade and anchoring points for bubble nests.

About the Thick-Lipped Gourami

The Thick-Lipped Gourami is often overshadowed by its popular cousin, the Dwarf Gourami, but it arguably makes a better aquarium subject for many setups. Reaching a slightly larger size of up to 10cm, it boasts superior hardiness and is far less prone to the genetic diseases that plague heavily bred dwarf species. Males are vividly coloured, especially during breeding, and possess the same modified, thread-like pelvic fins used by all gouramis to sense their environment.

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Where Thick-Lipped Gourami comes from

Native range

Irrawaddy River Basin, South Asia

Countries / regions

Myanmar

Habitat

Sluggish rivers, ponds, and swamps with dense aquatic vegetation and slow water movement.

Endemic to Myanmar, primarily found in the southern and central parts of the country.

Similar species

Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
Banded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata

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 share identical water parameter requirements and will not bother the gourami.
Great
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Bottom-dwelling and completely peaceful, keeping out of the gourami's upper-level territory.
Great
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
Nocturnal bottom dwellers that remain completely out of the way of top-swimming labyrinth fish.
Great
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Notorious fin-nippers that are highly likely to harass the gourami and bite its thread-like pelvic fins.
Not recommended
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Closely related labyrinth fish; keeping them together may result in territorial disputes between males.
Compatible with caution

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