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.
Banded Gourami At a Glance
Banded Gourami Tank Requirements
Will Banded Gourami fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Banded Gourami needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Banded Gourami against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Banded Gourami Water Parameters
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Banded Gourami Temperament & Compatibility
Banded Gourami Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males display vivid orange, blue, and metallic diagonal bands across their flanks, with a pointed dorsal fin. They are highly territorial toward other male gouramis and are best kept as the solitary male in a tank.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Banded Gourami, Standard
Female
Females are duller in coloration (typically silvery or brownish with faint barring) and possess a rounded dorsal fin. They are peaceful and can be housed in groups or alongside a single male without conflict.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Banded Gourami
Banded Gourami Care Guide Summary
The Banded Gourami, scientifically known as Trichogaster fasciata, belongs to the Anabantoids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 10 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Banded Gourami requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Banded Gourami is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Banded Gourami Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Banded Gourami, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Banded Gourami Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Banded Gourami is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Banded Gourami Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Banded Gourami.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 12 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Banded Gourami
How big does Banded Gourami get?
Banded Gourami (Trichogaster fasciata) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 10 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Banded Gourami need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm are recommended for Banded Gourami. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Banded Gourami need?
Banded Gourami thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Banded Gourami peaceful or aggressive?
Banded Gourami is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Banded Gourami live alone?
Yes, Banded Gourami can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Banded Gourami have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Banded Gourami benefits from plants - densely covered and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Banded Gourami need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Banded Gourami is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Banded Gourami
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Banded Gourami based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Zebra Spiny Eel
Mastacembelus zebrinus
Ideal Tank MatesBanana Loach
Acantopsis choirorhynchos
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Loach
Botia striata
Ideal Tank MatesStriped Raphael Catfish
Platydoras armatulus
Ideal Tank MatesClown Pleco (L104)
Panaqolus maccus
Ideal Tank MatesFire Eel
Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Banded Gourami
These plants pair well with Banded Gourami based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Banded Gourami
Dwarf Gourami
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.
Banded Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia trifasciata
A large, robust, and highly active schooling fish native to Northern Australia. Famous for its intense geographic color variations (such as the red 'Goyder River' morph). They are peaceful but incredibly fast and vigorous swimmers, requiring long aquariums with plenty of open swimming space.
Pearl Gourami
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.
Three Spot Gourami (Blue/Gold/Opaline)
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.
Giant Gourami
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.
Honey Gourami
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.