Three-spot Gourami

About

The three-spot gourami is a large, hardy labyrinth fish from the slow and still waters of Southeast Asia, named for the two dark body spots that, with the eye, form a row of three. Widely sold as the blue, opaline, gold and cosby colour forms, it is undemanding and adaptable, but grows to around 15 cm and turns territorial with age. Males in particular squabble and can become spiteful, so it is best kept singly or as one male with several females rather than in a group. As an air-breather it must reach the surface for atmospheric oxygen, so a warm, calm surface and a tight lid are essential.

Care

Keep one male in a spacious, planted 110 L+ tank at 24-30°C with a calm surface, floating cover and a tight lid for surface breathing. Territorial with age; house singly or with females and avoid small or timid tankmates.

Diet

Generalist omnivore; feed quality flake and pellet plus frozen and live foods and a little vegetable matter. Happily picks at hydra and tiny invertebrates.

Sources

• Seriously Fish — Trichopodus trichopterus
• Fishkeeping World — Three Spot Gourami Care Guide