10 Captivating Gourami Fish Species for Your Aquarium

Blue Gourami

Blue gouramis are possibly the most well known of the gourami family. They are easy to care for ​and can be kept with other fish of similar size. Blue gouramis do not tolerate others of their species well. This is particularly true of males, and it's recommended that only one male be kept in a tank. They are native to southeastern Asia, but aquarium fish are commercially raised on fish farms.

The standard blue-colored fish has a black spot on the base of the tail, one in the middle of the body, and the black pupil of the eye makes the third spot, giving the blue gourami the alternate name of 3-spot gourami. Several color morphs exist, such as a gold variety that still has the spots, and a blue variety that has black blotches or marbling instead of the distinct spots, called the "opaline gourami" (or "Cosby gourami"). The "silver or platinum gourami" is the white color morph.

Chocolate Gourami

Chocolate gouramis are one of the more challenging gourami species to keep. They are more sensitive to water conditions than other species and are rather timid, making them unsuitable for keeping with more boisterous or aggressive fish. Chocolate gouramis can also be difficult to find ​but are relished by experienced fish keepers. They are native to much of Malaysia, Sumatra, Indonesia ,and Borneo.

Dwarf Gourami

One of the smallest of the gourami family, this species is well suited for community aquariums of small fish. They are also suitable for keeping in mini aquariums. The natural color of the male dwarf gourami has alternating diagonal red and blue stripes. The female is less colorful. Color varieties that only have blue stripes are called powder blue gouramis, and only red stripes are called fire red gouramis The dwarf gourami is native to Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.

Kissing Gourami

Kissing gouramis are quite popular due to their unique behavior of appearing to kiss each other. In reality, they are exerting their territorial rights. This species can be quarrelsome with others, and care should be taken when putting them in a community tank. Generally, they do best with medium- to large-sized fish. Green is the natural color for this fish, but the pink variation is most commonly available. They're native to mainland southeast Asia and the islands of Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, and Sumatra.

Moonlight Gourami

Moonlight gouramis are aptly named for their silvery appearance. They are one of the larger species of gouramis, and also one of the more timid. Moonlight gouramis prefer a well-planted tank that offers plenty of hiding spaces. This species is tolerant of water conditions. They are native to southeast Asia.

Pearl Gourami

Pearl gouramis are possibly the hardiest and easy to care for of the gourami family. They are highly adaptable and do well with a wide range of water conditions as well as tank mates. The males are larger and more colorful than the females. When ready for breeding, the males become much brighter. Males also have longer dorsal and anal fins. They are native to Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Honey Gourami

The honey gourami is a brightly colored fish that showcases orange, blue, silver, and yellow hues. These fish are hardy and easy to care for. It’s best to put them in a tank with plenty of plants and some hiding places. And because they are peaceful, you can keep your honey gourami with other community fish that are not aggressive. They are found in the wild in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.    

Sparkling Gourami

The sparking gourami is striking in appearance and easy to care for. They are small, active fish who can also be housed with various other tank mates because they are peaceful and won’t want to get into fights. Their body features hues of green, brown, and blue, and they have blue fins with black spots, with a red line on the edge of each fin. Sparking gouramis are from Southeast Asia.  

Croaking Gourami

The croaking gourami is another species from Southeast Asia. They got their name from their ability to make a croaking sound when they are establishing dominance or ready to mate. Their bodies are colorful, with hues of green, silver, and brown, and they also have stripes on their sides. Like other gourami, they like planted tanks with places to hide.

Snakeskin Gourami

Another hardy and easy to care for fish is the snakeskin gourami. Their colors aren’t as vibrant as those of other gourami, and include shades of greenish gray, olive, and white, and they feature beautiful striping on the sides. If you are looking for a larger fish, this is a good choice, especially since they can do well in peaceful community tanks. They are naturally found in Southeast Asia.