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.
Honey Gourami At a Glance
Honey Gourami Tank Requirements
Will Honey Gourami fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Honey Gourami needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Honey Gourami against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Honey Gourami Water Parameters
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Honey Gourami Temperament & Compatibility
Honey Gourami Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Color Morphs
The typical commercial form (usually the 'Gold' or 'Sunset' morph). Very peaceful and suitable for community tanks. (Note: Ensure 'Red' variants are not mislabeled *T. labiosa*).
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Gold, Sunset, Unsexed
Male
Slightly more colorful and slender. In breeding condition (especially Wild/Gold types), males develop a vibrant orange body with a distinct dark blue/black throat and belly. Defends bubble nests but damage to others is rare.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Wild Type Male
Female
Slightly larger and plumper than males. Usually a plain silvery-brown (or dull yellow in Gold morphs), often with a horizontal brown stripe along the flank. Extremely peaceful and can be kept in groups.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Wild Type Female
Honey Gourami Care Guide Summary
The Honey Gourami, scientifically known as Trichogaster chuna, belongs to the Anabantoids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as 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 Honey Gourami requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 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.
Due to its specialist needs, the Honey Gourami is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Color Morphs, 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.
Honey Gourami Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Honey 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 smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Honey Gourami Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Honey Gourami is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Honey Gourami Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Honey Gourami.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Gourami
How big does Honey Gourami get?
Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Honey Gourami need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Honey Gourami. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Honey Gourami need?
Honey 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 Honey Gourami peaceful or aggressive?
Honey Gourami is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Honey Gourami live alone?
Yes, Honey Gourami can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Honey Gourami have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Honey Gourami benefits from plants - densely covered, plants - floating, and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Honey Gourami
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Honey Gourami based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Purple Zebra Shrimp
Potamalpheops sp.
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Whiptail
Loricaria simillima
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria spinulifera
Loricaria spinulifera
Ideal Tank MatesCrying Whiptail
Loricaria sp. "Rio Atabapo"
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria pumila (Dwarf Whiptail Catfish)
Loricaria pumila
Ideal Tank MatesParnahyba Whiptail Catfish
Loricaria parnahybae
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Honey Gourami
These plants pair well with Honey 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 Honey Gourami
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.
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.
Moonlight Gourami
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.
Blue Pearl Shrimp
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis
A hardy, peaceful dwarf shrimp species closely related to the popular Cherry Shrimp. They are excellent scavengers that constantly graze on biofilm and algae. Due to their tiny size, they are extremely vulnerable to predation and are best kept in dedicated invertebrate setups or with very small, peaceful nano fish (like rasboras).
Sparkling Gourami
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.
Scarlet Badis
Dario dario
One of the smallest known aquarium fish, resembling a tiny jewel. Males display brilliant vertical red and iridescent blue stripes. While beautiful, they are known for being extremely picky eaters, often refusing dry foods and requiring live or frozen micro-foods (Daphnia, Baby Brine Shrimp). Males act like tiny Cichlids and will stake out territories.