Three Spot Gourami

Trichopodus trichopterus

Also known as 3-Spot Gourami

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Perciformes›Osphronemidae

Trichopodus trichopterus is the three spot gourami, a hardy labyrinth fish from the swamps, canals and rice paddies of Southeast Asia. The wild fish is silvery blue with two dark spots on each side, and the eye makes the third. Blue, Gold and Cosby gouramis are colour strains of the same species. It grows to about 5 inches, and males can be territorial with each other.

Where it's from

Native to the Alas, An Lao, Ba, Batang Kerang and 69 other river basins

Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines and 2 more

Recorded as introduced in Australia, India, Taiwan (Kaoping basin), Papua New Guinea (Laloki basin) and 9 more places

At a glance

Size: 5 in; 13 cm
Min tank: 20 gal; 76 L
Temp: 72–82°F; 22–28°C
pH: 6.0–8.0
GH: 89–357 ppm; 5–20 dGH
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Swims: Top

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Three spot gouramis are omnivorous and should be fed high-quality flake foods and small pellets as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia. They will also nibble on soft plant matter and algae. Feed once daily in amounts they can consume in 2-3 minutes.

Behavior

Three spot gouramis are labyrinth breathers that frequently surface to gulp air, and they are semi-aggressive, particularly toward other gouramis and similarly-shaped fish. Males are territorial and will chase smaller or weaker fish, though they generally tolerate peaceful community species if the tank is large enough. They are active swimmers that prefer the upper and middle water columns and appreciate plants for shelter and resting spots.

Breeding

Breeding three spot gouramis in captivity is moderately difficult and requires specific conditions including warm water (26-28°C), dense floating plants for nest building, and separation of the pair into a breeding tank. Males build bubble nests and guard the eggs; fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially. Breeding is possible but requires patience and careful conditioning of the pair.

Tank mates

See all 5

Ember Tetra

Small, fast-moving schooling fish that stay in groups and avoid confrontation; occupy mid-water zone

good

Harlequin Rasbora

Peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water zones and are too quick to be easily harassed

good

Bristlenose Pleco

Nocturnal algae eater that occupies bottom zone; minimal interaction with gouramis and helps maintain tank cleanliness

excellent

Ramshorn Snail

Peaceful invertebrate that helps with algae control; generally ignored by gouramis unless very small

good

Dwarf Gourami

Can be kept together but requires careful observation; males may fight, so only attempt with ample space and hiding spots

caution

Fits a 20-gallon tank Beginner-friendly

Blue Gourami Cosby Gourami Golden Gourami Opaline Gourami

Legality

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); Listado taxonómico de peces y lampreas con distribución en México (CC0); Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).