Looking for a peaceful, low-maintenance, and beautifully colored freshwater fish? The thick lipped gourami might be the perfect addition to your tank. And if you’re ready to take things a step further, download Aquaponics 4 You to learn how to build a thriving, self-cleaning ecosystem that supports your gouramis and grows real food at the same time.
What Is a Thick Lipped Gourami?
The thick lipped gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) is a peaceful, labyrinth fish native to South Asia, particularly Bangladesh and India. Known for its thick mouth and soft coloration, it’s a close relative of the honey and dwarf gourami.
Unlike some aggressive species in the gourami family, the thick lipped gourami is known for its calm demeanor and compatibility with community tanks. These fish typically grow to about 3–4 inches and come in natural gray-brown tones or striking color morphs like gold and red-orange.
Why Keep Thick Lipped Gouramis?
These fish offer the best of both worlds: beauty and ease of care. They’re perfect for beginner and intermediate hobbyists and do well in planted aquariums. Their peaceful nature also makes them suitable for aquaponics systems, where harmony between fish and plants is critical.
Key Benefits:
- Peaceful and community-friendly
- Tolerant of a range of water conditions
- Can breathe surface air via labyrinth organ
- Low aggression and low maintenance
- Adaptable to planted and low-tech tanks
Thick Lipped Gourami Tank Requirements
These fish don’t need massive tanks, but they do need room to swim and establish territory. A well-planted setup with open swimming areas and hiding spots is ideal.
Recommended Tank Size
- Minimum: 20 gallons for a pair
- Better: 30+ gallons for a community tank
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | 4–15 dGH |
Filtration and Flow
- Use gentle filtration—these fish prefer slow-moving water
- Sponge filters or internal filters with adjustable flow are ideal
Substrate and Décor
- Fine gravel or sand substrate
- Plenty of plants (live or silk), driftwood, and caves
- Leave some open space for swimming
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Diet and Feeding
Thick lipped gouramis are omnivores with a preference for protein-rich foods. A varied diet keeps them active and colorful.
What to Feed:
- High-quality flakes or micro pellets
- Freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp
- Occasional live foods if available
- Blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini (sparingly)
Feed 1–2 times daily in small amounts. Avoid overfeeding, which can pollute the tank and affect water quality.
Tank Mates and Compatibility
Thick lipped gouramis are peaceful and shy—choose tank mates wisely. Avoid fin-nippers or overly aggressive fish. These gouramis may become reclusive if bullied.
Compatible Tank Mates:
- Harlequin rasboras
- Cherry barbs (non-aggressive)
- Corydoras catfish
- Kuhli loaches
- Small tetras (neons, cardinals)
- Other peaceful gouramis (if space allows)
Tank Mates to Avoid:
- Tiger barbs or other fin-nippers
- Large, aggressive cichlids
- Fast-swimming fish that outcompete for food
Behavior and Personality
Thick lipped gouramis are intelligent, observant, and often curious. Males may display mild territorial behavior, especially when housed with other males or during breeding.
Common Behaviors:
- Resting near the surface to breathe air
- Exploring plants and decorations
- Chasing during breeding periods (usually not harmful)
Breeding Thick Lipped Gouramis
Breeding is possible in the home aquarium with the right conditions. These fish are bubble nest builders, with males creating nests at the water surface using bubbles and saliva.
Steps to Encourage Breeding:
- Use a separate breeding tank with shallow water (6–8 inches)
- Raise temperature to 80°F and add floating plants
- Introduce a well-fed male and female
- Male will build a bubble nest and initiate courtship
- Once eggs are laid and fertilized, remove the female
- Male guards the nest until fry hatch (24–36 hours)
Once the fry are free-swimming, remove the male and begin feeding infusoria or baby brine shrimp.
Health and Disease Prevention
Thick lipped gouramis are hardy, but not invincible. Clean water and a stable tank environment are key to preventing illness.
Common Health Issues:
- Ich (white spot disease)
- Fin rot (from poor water quality)
- Velvet (gold dust-like appearance)
Preventive Tips:
- Test water weekly for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH
- Perform 25% water changes every 1–2 weeks
- Quarantine new fish before adding to community tank
- Feed high-quality foods and avoid overfeeding
Using Gouramis in Aquaponics
Thick lipped gouramis adapt well to aquaponic systems. They produce manageable waste, tolerate fluctuating conditions better than some fish, and live peacefully with low disturbance.
Why They’re Ideal for Aquaponics:
- Small bio-load for well-balanced systems
- Compatible with leafy greens and herbs
- Surface breathing adds resilience to oxygen dips
- Peaceful behavior keeps the ecosystem calm
Conclusion: A Great Choice for Natural, Peaceful Tanks
The thick lipped gourami is one of the most underrated fish in the hobby. With its gentle nature, beautiful patterns, and easy care requirements, it’s a perfect choice for planted aquariums, community tanks, and even aquaponic ecosystems.
Give them clean water, good food, and gentle tank mates—and you’ll enjoy years of graceful movement and personality in your tank.
Final CTA: Create a Self-Cleaning Tank for Your Gourami
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