Thick Lipped Gourami

Thick Lipped Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) in its standard wild-type form — a warm rusty orange-brown body with subtle turquoise banding and orange-edged fins. The thick lips that give the species its name are a distinctive feature visible up close. The Thick-Lipped Gourami is a somewhat overlooked species that deserves more attention — hardy, adaptable, attractively colored, and free from the DGIV concerns associated with T. lalius. A reliable and rewarding small gourami for community aquariums.

Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. Floating plants are appreciated for bubble nest construction.

Native to rivers and streams of southern Myanmar — one of the hardier and more adaptable small gouramis available. T. labiosa is closely related to both the Dwarf Gourami and the Honey Gourami and has been used in hybrid breeding to produce various color forms including the Red Robin. It is not susceptible to Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV) — an important advantage over T. lalius.

Keep one male with two or more females, or in a small group with adequate space. Males can be kept together with minimal aggression in larger, well-planted aquariums — more tolerant of conspecifics than the Dwarf Gourami. Compatible with a wide range of peaceful community fish. The slightly larger size means it is more robust and less easily intimidated than smaller gourami species.

Males build floating bubble nests at the surface among plants or floating vegetation when in breeding condition — a fascinating and distinctive behavior. The male courts the female with elaborate fin displays, and the pair spawns beneath the nest. The male guards eggs and wriggling larvae until the fry become free-swimming. Remove the female after spawning to protect her from the male's nest-guarding aggression. All gouramis possess a labyrinth organ — a specialized breathing structure above the gills that allows them to breathe atmospheric air directly from the surface. This adaptation evolved for life in oxygen-poor waters and means gouramis can survive in conditions that would stress most other fish. Always ensure unobstructed surface access — a tight-fitting lid with a small gap, or a covered aquarium, prevents the fish from breathing cold air which can cause respiratory issues.

Care & Ideal Parameters