If you're an aquarium enthusiast in Australia, chances are you've come across the beautiful and peaceful gourami. Known for their stunning colours, friendly temperament, and relatively low-maintenance care requirements, gouramis are a fantastic choice for both beginner and experienced fishkeepers.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to properly care for your gouramis – from tank setup and water conditions to diet and tank mates. Whether you're starting fresh or looking to improve your gourami’s habitat, this guide from Micro Aquatic Shop is here to help.
What Makes Gourami Fish So Special?
Gouramis are freshwater fish native to Asia, especially regions like India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They’re part of the Osphronemidae family and are known for their labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe atmospheric air. This means they can survive in water with lower oxygen levels – a big plus for beginner aquarists.
Some of the most popular types of gourami include:
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Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius) – Small, colourful, and easy to keep.
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Pearl Gourami – Elegant with a pearl-like shimmer and peaceful nature.
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Honey Gourami – Golden yellow with a calm temperament.
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Three-Spot Gourami – Larger in size with unique spots on the body.
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Kissing Gourami – Recognisable for their "kissing" behaviour.
Each type has its own charm, but they all share similar care needs – let’s dive in!
Tank Setup for Gouramis
1. Tank Size
Although some gourami species are small (like Dwarf Gouramis), it’s best not to underestimate their need for space.
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Dwarf Gourami: At least 40 litres for a pair.
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Larger Gouramis: May require 75–100 litres or more.
A spacious tank helps reduce territorial behaviour and supports natural swimming patterns.
2. Water Conditions
Gouramis thrive in soft to moderately hard water with a stable environment. They are fairly hardy but prefer:
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Temperature: 24–28°C
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pH level: 6.0–7.5
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Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <40 ppm
Make sure to use a good-quality filter, and Micro Aquatic Shop recommends regular water testing to avoid surprise spikes that may stress or harm your fish.
3. Filtration & Aeration
Although gouramis can breathe from the surface thanks to their labyrinth organ, a gentle filtration system is still important to maintain clean water. Avoid strong currents – gouramis prefer slow-moving or still water.
A sponge filter or a canister filter with a spray bar works well. Don’t forget to leave some open space at the top of the tank so they can easily access air.
4. Substrate & Decorations
Gouramis enjoy a well-planted aquarium with hiding spots. Live plants like java fern, anubias, or water wisteria are ideal. Driftwood, rocks, and caves can provide shelter and reduce stress.
Choose a fine gravel or sand substrate, especially if you plan to keep them with bottom-dwelling species or shrimp.
What Do Gouramis Eat?
Gouramis are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. A varied diet will help maintain their vibrant colours and overall health.
Recommended diet:
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High-quality pellets or flakes (specially made for tropical fish)
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Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia
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Vegetables such as blanched spinach, peas, or zucchini (in moderation)
Tip from Micro Aquatic Shop: Feed small amounts 1–2 times per day, and avoid overfeeding to keep water quality stable.
Compatible Tank Mates for Gouramis
Gouramis are peaceful, but like all fish, they have their limits. Dwarf and Pearl Gouramis are typically community-friendly, while species like the Three-Spot or Kissing Gourami can be more territorial as they mature.
Good tank mates include:
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Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp
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Tetras (Neon, Ember, Rummy-nose)
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Corydoras Catfish
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Otocinclus
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Kuhli Loaches
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Harlequin Rasboras
Avoid fin-nipping fish like tiger barbs or aggressive species that may stress out your gouramis.
Common Health Issues in Gouramis
Healthy gouramis are active, colourful, and curious. If you notice clamped fins, lethargy, or surface gasping (outside of normal labyrinth breathing), check your water parameters and diet immediately.
Common issues:
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Ich (White Spot Disease) – Treated with aquarium salt or medication.
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Fin Rot – Caused by poor water quality.
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Swim Bladder Disorder – Usually from overfeeding or constipation.
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Velvet Disease – Look for a dusty gold appearance on the body.
Regular maintenance and a balanced diet are key to prevention. At Micro Aquatic Shop, we offer medications, test kits, and expert advice to help you diagnose and treat fish illnesses quickly.
Breeding Gouramis at Home
If you’re interested in breeding your gouramis, you’ll be happy to know that many species are bubble nest builders. Males create a floating bubble nest at the surface and guard the eggs after spawning.
Breeding Tips:
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Use a separate breeding tank with calm water and floating plants.
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Feed a high-protein diet before breeding.
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Remove the female after spawning to prevent aggression.
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Keep the breeding tank warm (around 28°C) and undisturbed.
Raising fry can be rewarding, but it takes patience and the right setup.
Why Buy Gouramis from Micro Aquatic Shop?
At Micro Aquatic Shop, we specialise in high-quality, healthy gouramis and a wide range of compatible plants, shrimp, and aquascaping accessories. Whether you're looking for a beginner-friendly Dwarf Gourami or a showstopping Pearl Gourami, our team is here to help you find the perfect match.
We also offer:
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Expert advice for tank setups
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Water conditioners and test kits
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Delivery across Australia
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Live arrival guarantee on fish orders
Our goal is to make fishkeeping easy and fun – especially for Aussie hobbyists who care about their aquatic pets.
Final Tips for Happy Gouramis
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Always quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank.
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Avoid tapping on the glass – it stresses your fish.
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Do regular 20–30% water changes weekly.
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Observe your fish daily for any signs of stress or illness.
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Don't overcrowd the tank.
With the right care and attention, your gourami can live up to 4–6 years and become a peaceful star in your planted aquarium.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit Micro Aquatic Shop today to explore our range of gourami fish, aquascaping supplies, and beginner-friendly kits. Whether you’re upgrading your setup or starting fresh, we’ve got everything you need – all delivered right to your door anywhere in Australia.
Let’s build a thriving aquatic world, one bubble at a time.
