Explore all anabantoids in our database. Browse detailed care guides, compatibility information, and species data to find the perfect fish for your aquarium.
Trichogaster fasciata
The Banded Gourami is a robust and hardy labyrinth fish known for its striking diagonal stripes. Considerably larger than the Dwarf Gourami, they are active swimmers but generally peaceful in community settings. They require access to the water's surface to breathe atmospheric air. Males can be highly territorial toward each other.
Betta splendens
The Siamese Fighting Fish is an aquarium icon known for its labyrinth organ (allowing air breathing) and vivid colors. While hardy, they require heated, filtered water (24-30°C). Males are solitary and fiercely territorial. Females are generally less ornate but can be kept in 'sororities' with strict precautions (minimum 5 females in 75L+).
Betta imbellis
Known as the 'Peaceful Betta', Betta imbellis is a wild species closely related to Betta splendens. Unlike their highly aggressive domestic cousins, they can often be kept in pairs or carefully managed groups. They are native to blackwater swamps and require calm, tannin-stained water with plenty of cover. They are exceptionally prone to jumping.
Betta macrostoma
Known as the 'Brunei Beauty', Betta macrostoma is a large, highly sought-after wild mouthbrooding Betta. They possess a massive mouth and are voracious predators. Native to highly acidic, soft blackwater streams in Borneo, they require cool, pristine water to thrive. They are extremely prone to jumping and require a tight-fitting lid.
Betta smaragdina
A beautiful wild-type Betta species native to the Khorat Plateau of Thailand, known for its striking iridescent emerald-green scales. Unlike the domestic Betta splendens, they are slightly more peaceful and closely resemble their natural wild form. They are excellent jumpers and require tight-fitting lids.
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
A delicate, highly specialized labyrinth fish native to the peat swamp forests of Southeast Asia. Known for its rich chocolate-brown coloration and vertical cream bands. It is notorious for being sensitive to water quality fluctuations and requires extremely soft, acidic 'blackwater' to thrive and resist bacterial infections. Best kept in a heavily planted, mature species-only setup or with very peaceful, small nano fish.
Trichogaster lalius
A peaceful to semi-aggressive labyrinth fish native to South Asia. Famous for their brilliant metallic blue and red stripes. While generally suitable for community tanks, males are territorial toward each other and similar-looking fish. They are sensitive to water quality and prone to Iridovirus if stressed. Requires access to the surface to breathe.
Osphronemus goramy
The Giant Gourami is a massive, highly intelligent anabantoid that behaves more like a wet pet than a typical community fish. They grow extremely large and have voracious appetites, often completely consuming any live plants in their tank. Due to their immense adult size and extreme bioload, they require massive aquariums and robust filtration.
Trichogaster chuna
The smallest and most peaceful member of the Trichogaster genus. Ideally suited for planted nano aquariums. Unlike the aggressive Dwarf Gourami (*T. lalius*), Honey Gouramis are timid and gentle. True Honey Gouramis rarely exceed 5cm. Note: Many bright red fish sold as 'Red Honey' or 'Red Robin' are actually Thick-lipped Gouramis (*T. labiosa*), which grow larger.
Helostoma temminckii
A large, heavily-built labyrinth fish famous for its 'kissing' behavior. This kissing is actually a form of territorial sparring, mostly between males asserting dominance. They are specialized filter-feeders and grazers that use their raspy lips to scrape algae. Because they grow surprisingly large (up to 10-12 inches) and are prone to eating live plants, they require spacious aquariums and specific diets.
Ctenopoma acutirostre
A fascinating, ancient African anabantoid that mimics a dead leaf to ambush prey. They possess a surprisingly large, extendable mouth. While slow-moving and generally peaceful towards fish too large to swallow, they are efficient predators of small fish and invertebrates. They are crepuscular (active at twilight) and require structure (wood/plants) to feel secure.
Parosphromenus deissneri
A highly specialized, stunningly beautiful nano labyrinth fish native to the blackwater peat swamps of Southeast Asia. They are considered an advanced-level species because they require extremely soft, highly acidic water (often reverse osmosis) and a diet of live foods. Extremely shy, they are easily outcompeted for food and are highly recommended for species-only setups with copious leaf litter and dim lighting.
Trichogaster microlepis
A gracefully sloping, large labyrinth fish characterized by its beautiful, iridescent silvery sheen and exceptionally long, thread-like ventral fins (feelers). While peaceful and somewhat timid, they are notorious for nibbling on soft-leaved and fine aquarium plants. They require access to the surface to breathe atmospheric air.
Betta unimaculata
A large, mouthbrooding wild Betta species native to the clear, flowing forest streams of Borneo. Unlike the domestic Betta splendens, they are torpedo-shaped, prefer slightly cooler water, and actually enjoy moderate water flow. They are exceptional jumpers and require a heavy, tightly fitted lid with no gaps. They are predatory and will eat fish small enough to fit in their mouths.
Macropodus opercularis
One of the first ornamental fish in the hobby (pre-dating the Goldfish in Europe). Paradise Fish are stunning, hardy, subtropical Anabantoids. However, they are notoriously aggressive, often exceeding the aggression of Bettas. They are cold-tolerant and thrive in unheated indoor aquariums, but they will readily attack smaller tank mates, eat fry, and fight conspecifics to the death.
Trichopodus leerii
Widely considered the most beautiful and peaceful of the large Gouramis. They feature a 'mosaic' of iridescent spots and a distinct black line running through the eye. Unlike their aggressive cousins (the Three-Spot Gourami), Pearls are generally gentle giants, though males can be territorial towards one another. They are thermophilic (love heat) and require floating plants to feel secure.
Trichopsis pumila
A stunning nano species known for its iridescent blue/green eyes, body spots, and ability to make audible 'croaking' sounds. Unlike many anabantoids, they are social and best kept in groups. However, they are efficient micropredators that will hunt shrimp fry and pests like hydra. Requires stable water parameters and dense planting.
Trichopodus trichopterus
A robust, semi-aggressive labyrinth fish available in many color morphs (Blue, Gold, Opaline). Biologically, they are all the same species. Unlike the peaceful Pearl Gourami, Three Spots are boisterous and can be bullies. They are excellent for 'semi-aggressive' community tanks (e.g., with Tiger Barbs, large Tetras) but may harass shy or long-finned fish.
