The giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy) is a species of large gourami native to freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia, with its occurrence in other locations due to introductions. This species is commercially important as a food fish and is also farmed. It can also be found in the aquarium trade. The species has been used for weed control, also on highly invasive aquatic plants like Salvinia molesta, as the giant gourami can be a voracious herbivore.
It is capable of breathing moist air, so can survive out of water for long periods. It is much larger than most gouramis (only the other Osphronemus species reach a similar size), growing to a maximum standard length of 70 cm (28 in), though most are only around 45 cm
What We Like About This Fish:
- Bright, elegant coloration
- Generally peaceful disposition
- An excellent, graceful addition to Monster aquariums
- Accepts a variety of dry, frozen, and live foods
- Very adaptable
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
- Temperature: 75° - 86° F (22° - 28° C)
- pH: 5.5 - 8.0
- KH: 2 - 18 dKH
- Minimum tank size: 150 gallons
CARE GUIDELINES:
- Diet: Mostly carnivorous. Not picky, but requires a varied diet of dry, frozen, and live foods for optimal health and coloration.
- Social behaviour: Generally peaceful. Can be kept in groups, but males can be territorial with one another.