Honey Gourami

Honey Gourami - Color

Fire Honey Gourami

The Honey Gourami originates from India and Bangladesh. It is known by the scientific names Trichogaster chuna, Colisa sota, Colisa chuna and Trichopodus chuna. There are many color variations, which results in a multitude of names based on two basic colors - red and gold. Names include the Red Honey Fire Gourami, Fire Honey Gourami, Flame Honey Gourami, Gold Honey Gourami and the Honey Sunset Gourami.

Honey Gourami vs Dwarf Gourami

The Honey Gourami is easily confused with the Dwarf Gourami, but is more slender with proportionally longer pelvic fins. The body shape of the Honey Gourami is closer to the Blue Gourami than the Dwarf Gourami. The Honey Gourami is also distinguished from the Dwarf Gourami by being more active, less shy and spending more time near the surface of the tank. The color of Honey Gouramis is often very dark near the anal and pelvic fins.

Honey Gourami - Aquarium Setup

Honey Gouramis are labyrinth fish, which means they can survive on very low levels of oxygen and they can breathe air directly. The tank should be well planted and floating plants are appreciated. Anacharis will be eaten rapidly though. Honey Gouramis should be kept in pairs or with several females for a lone male. Honey Gouramis will eat flake food, algae flakes, tubifex, frozen bloodworms and live brine shrimp.

Honey Gourami - Compatibility:

Honey Gouramis are compatible withCorydoras Catfish, Glass Fish, Guppies, Small Tetras, Rasboras, White Clouds

Avoid other fish that may challenge the Honey Gourami for the top of the tank.

Fire Honey Gourami

Honey Gourami - Breeding

Males will develop brighter coloration than females. The males have more pointed dorsal fins, while those of females are more rounded. Breeding of Honey Gouramis is difficult. Lower water levels and higher temperatures may help. When they are ready to spawn, the male builds a bubble nest at the surface and then dances and wraps around the female. The male ensures the rising eggs reach the bubblenest. The spawning process can be repeated several times over a number of hours and thousands of eggs can be fertilized. The female should be removed after spawning. The male will guard the nest and young fry. The fry hatch in a couple of days. The fry should be fed infusoria, fine flake food and then brine shrimp.

Honey Gourami - Profile

• Scientific Name: Colisa chuna

• Family: Anabantid

• Temperature: 22 - 28 C; 72 - 82 F

• pH: 6.0 - 8.0

• Size: 6 cm; 2 inches

• Life Span: 4 - 8 years

• Breeding: Difficult, Bubble Nest