If you're thinking about starting a freshwater aquarium or upgrading your current one, you’ve likely come across Gourami fish. These stunning, peaceful tropical fish are a popular choice among aquarists in Australia — and for good reason. From their captivating colours to their gentle nature, Gouramis offer a long list of benefits that make them ideal for both beginner and experienced hobbyists.
In this article, the aquascaping experts at Micro Aquatic Shop break down the top benefits of keeping Gourami fish and why they deserve a spot in your tank.
1. Gouramis Are Peaceful and Community-Friendly
One of the biggest reasons people love Gouramis is their calm and non-aggressive nature. Most Gourami species — especially Dwarf Gourami, Honey Gourami, and Pearl Gourami — are peaceful and blend well in community tanks.
They rarely initiate conflict and typically keep to themselves or interact playfully with other calm species. This makes them a great match with other community fish like:
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Neon tetras
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Harlequin rasboras
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Corydoras catfish
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Cherry shrimp
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Otocinclus
🐟 Tip from Micro Aquatic Shop: If you're new to keeping fish and want a harmonious tank, Gouramis are a safe and stunning choice.
2. Gouramis Are Visually Stunning
If you want a tank that stands out, few freshwater fish offer the vibrant colouration of a Gourami. Depending on the species, you’ll find hues ranging from electric blue and ruby red to pearl white and golden yellow.
Some fan-favourite types include:
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Dwarf Neon Blue Gourami – Iridescent blue with red stripes
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Pearl Gourami – Elegant, pearly shine with delicate patterns
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Honey Gourami – Warm amber and gold tones
Their beautiful fins and graceful swimming patterns add an eye-catching elegance to any planted aquarium.
3. They Breathe Air from the Surface
Gouramis possess a unique labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric oxygen. This adaptation enables them to survive in water conditions where oxygen levels might otherwise be too low for other fish.
What does this mean for you?
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They’re more forgiving of beginner mistakes, like slightly lower oxygen levels.
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You don't need aggressive water movement or heavy aeration.
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They're often seen swimming up to the surface — a charming behaviour unique to labyrinth fish.
🫧 Fun Fact: Gouramis can even survive for short periods in stagnant water, though we still recommend a clean, filtered tank!
4. Gouramis Are Easy to Feed
Feeding Gouramis is simple, making them a great option for new hobbyists. They're omnivorous and not picky eaters — they’ll happily accept a range of foods, such as:
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High-quality tropical flakes or pellets
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Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp
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Blanched vegetables like zucchini or peas
A varied diet enhances their colours and supports immunity. Micro Aquatic Shop recommends rotating between dry, frozen, and live food to keep your Gourami both healthy and excited at feeding time.
5. They're Low-Maintenance but Rewarding
Unlike sensitive species that require tightly controlled environments, Gouramis are hardy and adaptable. They thrive in a variety of freshwater setups and can tolerate a range of water conditions as long as you:
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Keep water temperature stable (24–28°C)
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Maintain pH between 6.0–7.5
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Perform weekly partial water changes
Their relatively low demands make them one of the most beginner-friendly fish, but their interactive personalities make them equally rewarding for experienced aquarists.
6. They Exhibit Interesting Behaviours
Gouramis aren’t just pretty faces — they also have some of the most fascinating behaviours among freshwater fish.
Notable behaviours include:
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Bubble Nesting: Male Gouramis build bubble nests at the surface when preparing to breed. It’s a beautiful and intriguing sight!
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Surface Breathing: Their occasional trips to the top for a gulp of air are charming and unique.
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Mild Social Interaction: Some species exhibit gentle interaction with tank mates or even respond to the presence of their owners.
These behaviours can be especially enjoyable for kids and families looking to learn more about aquatic life.
7. Perfect for Planted Aquariums
If you're building or already own a planted tank, Gouramis are a perfect match. They:
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Don’t uproot plants like goldfish might
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Swim gracefully through dense plant life
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Prefer tanks with floating plants and gentle lighting
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Benefit from the natural filtration and oxygen provided by plants
Pairing Gouramis with live plants like Java Fern, Anubias, or Amazon Sword can create a peaceful, natural ecosystem in your aquarium.
At Micro Aquatic Shop, we offer curated plant + fish bundles perfect for first-time aquascapers in Australia!
Bonus: Gouramis Are Widely Available in Australia
Thanks to their popularity and hardy nature, Gouramis are easy to find across most pet stores and online aquarium retailers. But not all fish are created equal.
At Micro Aquatic Shop, we provide:
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Healthy, quarantined Gourami stock
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Expert guidance for tank setup and care
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Delivery services across Australia
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Aquarium kits and supplies tailored for beginners
When you buy from trusted specialists like us, you're ensuring your Gouramis start off healthy, happy, and stress-free.
Final Thoughts: Why Gouramis Deserve a Spot in Your Aquarium
With their peaceful attitude, gorgeous colours, and beginner-friendly care needs, Gourami fish are one of the best choices for anyone looking to build a thriving freshwater tank in Australia. They’re perfect for both individual display and vibrant community setups — and they bring life, movement, and personality to any aquascape.
So whether you're new to the hobby or just looking for your next aquatic favourite, consider adding a Gourami (or a few!) to your tank.
🛒 Ready to Get Started?
Explore our wide selection of Gouramis, live plants, tank mates, and aquascaping accessories at Micro Aquatic Shop. Let us help you build your dream aquarium, right here in Australia.
