Overview
The honey gourami is a small, peaceful labyrinth fish from the slow, vegetated waters of India and Bangladesh. Males glow a warm honey-orange to red when in condition, making this one of the gentlest and prettiest centrepiece fish for a nano or community tank.
Like the betta, it breathes air through a labyrinth organ, and it uses its long thread-like pelvic fins to 'feel' its surroundings. It is shy but curious once settled into a well-planted tank.
| Care level | Beginner |
| Adult size | 1.5-2 in (4-5 cm) |
| Lifespan | 4-8 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful, shy |
| Min. tank | 10 gal (38 L) |
| Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Hardness | 4-15 dGH |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Schooling | Solo, pair or trio |
Water & tank conditions
Honey gouramis are undemanding: 72-82°F, soft-to-moderate hardness and pH 6.0-7.5. They dislike strong current, so use a gentle filter and keep the surface calm for breathing and bubble-nesting.
Aquascape & setup
Plant densely with some floating cover to diffuse the light and give this shy fish confidence. Open surface areas and calm water help it breathe and build nests. Botanicals and driftwood suit its soft-water home.
Diet & feeding
Omnivores that accept quality micro-pellets and flakes plus frozen daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworms. Small, varied feeds keep their colour rich.
Tankmates & temperament
Gentle and easily bullied , pair with equally peaceful, calm species (small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, kuhli loaches, shrimp). Avoid boisterous fish, fin-nippers and larger gouramis that will out-compete or harass them.
Breeding
Males build a floating bubble nest (sometimes woven with plant bits), court the female with a colour display, then tend the eggs and fry. Calm water and dense floating plants make spawning much more likely.
Fun facts
- Males turn deep honey-orange to red when courting or displaying.
- Their thread-like pelvic fins are sensory organs used to taste and feel the environment.
- Like bettas, honey gouramis breathe air with a labyrinth organ.
- They are far more peaceful than their larger dwarf-gourami relatives.
- A shy fish that gains confidence in a densely planted tank with floating cover.
Frequently asked questions
Are honey gouramis peaceful?
Yes, they are one of the most peaceful gouramis , gentle and even shy. They can be bullied by boisterous tankmates, so choose calm community fish.
Can you keep two honey gouramis together?
A single fish, a male-female pair, or a small group can work in a larger, well-planted tank. Two males may squabble in tight quarters, so give them space and cover.
What size tank for a honey gourami?
A 10-gallon (38-litre) tank suits one or a pair; a community group is happier in 20 gallons or more with plenty of planting.
Do honey gouramis need a filter and heater?
Yes , a gentle filter for clean water and a heater to hold 72-82°F. They dislike strong current, so choose or baffle a low-flow filter.
What do honey gouramis eat?
They are omnivores. Offer quality micro-pellets or flakes and supplement with frozen daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworms.
