Honey Gourami - (No Online Purchases)

 Honey Gourami (No Online Purchases)

The Honey Gourami, scientifically known as Trichogaster chuna (formerly Colisa chuna), is a popular and peaceful freshwater fish cherished by aquarists for its vibrant coloration and calm demeanor.

Appearance and Size:

Honey Gouramis are relatively small, typically reaching about 5 cm (2 inches) in length, though some sources state up to 6 cm.

Males are generally more brightly colored, especially during breeding, displaying rich honey, orange, or even fiery red hues, often with a blue throat and black on the front of the anal fin.

Females are usually paler, silvery-grey or brownish, sometimes with a faint horizontal stripe.

They possess characteristic thread-like pelvic fins that they use to "feel" their surroundings.

Habitat and Origin:

Native to India and Bangladesh, Honey Gouramis are found in slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters like pools, ditches, swamps, and rice fields.

They are labyrinth fish, meaning they have a special "labyrinth organ" that allows them to breathe atmospheric oxygen from the water's surface, enabling them to survive in poorly oxygenated environments.

Aquarium Care:

Tank Size: A single Honey Gourami can live in a 5 or 10-gallon tank, but a group of three would do better in a 20-gallon aquarium. If keeping multiple males, a larger tank (20 gallons minimum) with plenty of hiding spots is crucial to prevent territorial disputes.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)

pH:6.0-8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral is ideal)

Hardness (GH): 5-20 dH (soft to hard water)

Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular 25-30% weekly water changes are recommended)

Filtration and Flow: They prefer gentle water flow. Sponge filters or adjustable-flow hang-on-back (HOB) filters are good choices. Avoid strong currents.

Decor: A well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots (driftwood, rock caves) is highly recommended. Floating plants like water sprite, water wisteria, Amazon Frogbit, and Salvinia Minima are particularly beneficial as they provide cover and help diffuse light.

Lighting: Moderate lighting is best. Too bright, and they may hide; too dim, and their colors may not shine.

Diet: Honey Gouramis are omnivores and not picky eaters. They should be fed a varied diet including high-quality flake or nano pellet food, supplemented with frozen and freeze-dried foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae. Live foods are also highly appreciated. They tend to be top-dwelling feeders, so floating foods are ideal.

Behavior and Tank Mates:

Honey Gouramis are generally peaceful and shy, making them excellent additions to community aquariums.

They can be kept alone, in pairs, or in small groups (3-5 individuals). If keeping multiple males, ensure ample space and hiding spots.

Good tank mates include other peaceful, similarly sized fish such as:

Corydoras catfish

Ember Tetras, Neon Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras

Panda Corydoras

Mystery Snails

Amano or Cherry Shrimp (with adequate hiding spots for shrimp)

Sparkling Gouramis (though some sources advise against mixing different anabantoids unless experienced)

Avoid aggressive or boisterous fish, fin-nippers (like some barbs or bettas), and larger predatory species that may stress or predate on them. Also, be cautious when mixing with Dwarf Gouramis, as they can sometimes exhibit dominance issues.

Lifespan:

With proper care, Honey Gouramis typically live for 2-5 years, though some individuals may live longer (up to 7-8 years has been reported).

Breeding:

Honey Gouramis are bubble nest builders.

To encourage breeding, set up a separate breeding tank with shallow water, gentle filtration, and plenty of floating plants.

Condition the pair with protein-rich foods.

The male will build a bubble nest, then court the female. After spawning, the male collects the eggs and places them in the nest.

The male will guard the nest, and the female should be removed after spawning. The male should be removed once the fry are free-swimming.

Fry are tiny and require infusoria or powdered fry food initially, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.