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Thick-Lipped Gourami
Trichopodus labiosus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
📍 Southeast Asia
A medium-sized gourami from Southeast Asia reaching about 4 inches, distinguished by its noticeably thicker, fleshy lips compared to other Trichopodus species and a brownish-orange body with subtle striping. It is a peaceful labyrinth fish suitable for community tanks of 20+ gallons, though it may be shy; the thick lips are thought to help it extract invertebrates from crevices.
Care Guide
Diet
Thick-Lipped Gouramis are omnivorous and should be fed high-quality flake food, small pellets, and regular supplements of frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms 2-3 times weekly. They will also consume small live invertebrates and algae-based foods. Feed once daily in amounts they can consume within 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
A peaceful but somewhat shy labyrinth fish that prefers planted tanks with hiding spots and subdued lighting. They are surface feeders and air-breathers, so access to the water surface is essential. Males may display territorial behavior toward other gouramis, but they generally coexist peacefully with non-aggressive community fish.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. Males build bubble nests and are mouthbrooders; they require pristine water conditions, dense vegetation, and isolation from disturbances. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first weeks.
Tank Mates
Peaceful bottom-dweller that won't compete for food or territory
Small, non-aggressive schooling fish with similar water parameter needs
Similar size and temperament, though monitor for male aggression
Small invertebrates that add bioload control; may be eaten if very small
Provides shelter and natural habitat structure without being uprooted
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove any sharp decorations, treat with antibacterial medication if severe
Labyrinth Organ Infection
Difficulty breathing at surface, gasping, swollen gill area, loss of appetite
Ensure excellent water quality and aeration, maintain stable temperature, use broad-spectrum antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected
Velvet Disease
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, clamped fins
Increase temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment for 7-14 days
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Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)