Thick-lipped Gourami Care
Trichogaster labiosa
The Thick-lipped Gourami is a peaceful, shy labyrinth fish from Myanmar. It does best in a long, densely planted aquarium with gentle flow, floating cover and calm tankmates. This guide covers setup, water, feeding, behaviour and breeding. Where sources differ, the cautious choice and remaining uncertainty are made clear. The fish breathes air at the surface, so it must be able to reach it freely. Do not choose one only for its colour or small size in a shop; young fish will grow. Consider the final tank length, shelter and a gradual transition to the aquarium’s water. These recommendations are a practical starting point, not a guarantee for every individual fish.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- GH
- 5–10 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 100 cm
- Adult size
- Up to 9 cm
- Group size
- At least 2 individuals
- Temperament
- Peaceful
About this species
Trichogaster labiosa, the Thick-lipped Gourami, belongs to the family Osphronemidae. The older name Colisa labiosa still appears in aquarium references. FishBase reports a maximum total length of 9 cm; Seriously Fish lists 10 cm standard length. These are different measurements and cannot be compared directly. The species is native to southern Myanmar. Selectively bred gold or sunset forms are also traded; colour forms do not change the basic need for suitable space and water.
Natural habitat
Seriously Fish describes the species from shady, slow-moving rivers and ponds with abundant aquatic and floating vegetation. FishBase records it from freshwater in a tropical climate. As a labyrinth fish, it can take atmospheric air at the surface. This adaptation does not make polluted or oxygen-depleted aquarium water acceptable: filtration, maintenance and stable water quality remain essential.
Aquarium and layout
Aquarium sources differ on minimum length. Seriously Fish calculates about 67 litres from a 74 × 30 cm base at 30 cm water depth. FishBase lists a minimum aquarium length of 100 cm. This guide follows the more cautious 100 cm length and does not state a minimum volume because the sources do not agree. Use a dark substrate, dense plants and floating cover. Keep flow gentle while preserving swimming space and open access to the surface. Avoid cold drafts across the air space above the water.
Water conditions
FishBase reports 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5 and 4–10 dH as environmental data. Seriously Fish recommends 22–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.5 and 5–15 dGH for aquarium care. This guide uses the overlap: 22–27 °C, pH 6.0–7.5 and 5–10 dGH. These are practical ranges, not exact targets or hard survival limits. Avoid rapid changes and acclimate new fish gradually.
Behaviour and group size
The species is generally peaceful but shy and relatively slow-moving. Seriously Fish notes that juveniles bought together will usually live together peacefully. It does not give a universal number suitable for every aquarium; the minimum of two records group behaviour, not a stocking prescription. Choose calm tankmates of comparable size and avoid boisterous or aggressive fish. Do not keep it with Trichogaster fasciata, as the closely related species can hybridise freely. Keep the surface accessible.
Feeding
Seriously Fish says the Thick-lipped Gourami accepts most foods and particularly favours small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm and Daphnia. Aquarist Atlas describes an opportunistic omnivorous diet including small invertebrates, insect larvae, zooplankton and algae. Offer varied complete food with suitable small animal and plant-based additions. Match particle size to the fish and remove leftovers.
Breeding
The male builds a bubble nest at the surface. Seriously Fish recommends a separate, quiet breeding aquarium with shallow water, floating plants and fine-leaved cover for the female. A close-fitting lid keeps the air above the water warm and humid, which matters to young labyrinth fish. After spawning, the male guards the nest; remove the female to prevent injury. Fry are tiny and initially need very fine food. Egg numbers and development times vary between spawns.
Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .
View the sources
- FishBase Consortium — FishBase — Trichogaster labiosa Day, 1877
- Seriously Fish — Seriously Fish — Trichogaster labiosa (Thick-lipped Gourami)
- Aquarist Atlas — Aquarist Atlas — Thick-lipped Gourami
- GBIF Secretariat — GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Trichogaster labiosa
- U.S. Geological Survey — Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database — Trichogaster labiosa