Giant Gourami

Osphronemus goramy

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Osphronemidae

📍 Southeast Asia, Java to Indochina

The largest labyrinth fish, reaching 24 inches. Despite its size, generally peaceful and even shy. Develops a real personality — will hand-feed and recognise its owner. A long-term commitment.

Size24"

Min Tank200g

semi-aggressive

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Giant Gouramis are omnivorous and should receive a varied diet including high-quality pellets, flake foods, and regular offerings of blanched vegetables like spinach and zucchini. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feed juveniles daily; adults do well with once-daily feeding, though they will readily hand-feed and may become opportunistic eaters.

Behavior

Despite their massive size, Giant Gouramis are generally peaceful and even shy, often hiding among plants and décor. They develop strong personalities and will recognize their owners, sometimes interacting at feeding time. They are labyrinth breathers and require access to the water surface; they are primarily mid-water swimmers but will explore all zones of a well-planted tank.

Breeding

Breeding Giant Gouramis in captivity is extremely rare and difficult, requiring very large tanks (500+ gallons), perfect water conditions, and mature pairs. Males build bubble nests and guard fry aggressively. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-caught, making captive breeding impractical for most aquarists.

Tank Mates

Bristlenose Pleco

Similar size tolerance and peaceful temperament; occupies different tank zones

good

Severum

Comparable size and semi-aggressive nature; both prefer warm water and mid-level swimming

good

Silver Dollar

Schooling fish that won't compete directly; peaceful and similar water temperature needs

good

Rummy Nose Tetra

Small schooling fish that stay in upper water column; unlikely to trigger predatory response

good

Common Diseases

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid gill movement, lethargy, flashing against objects

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; treat for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove any sharp décor, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration

Labyrinth Organ Infection

Symptoms

Difficulty breathing at surface, gasping, swollen gill area, loss of appetite

Treatment

Ensure access to clean air at water surface, maintain excellent water quality, use broad-spectrum antibiotics if bacterial; may require veterinary consultation

Parasitic Infections

Symptoms

Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, cloudy eyes

Treatment

Use anti-parasitic treatments designed for labyrinth fish; quarantine affected fish; perform frequent water changes and maintain pristine tank conditions