Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Blue Opaline Gourami is a selectively bred color form from the wild-type Blue Gourami often referred to as the Three-spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) that is widespread throughout Asia. All of the Opaline gouramis available within the aquarium trade are produced through commercial fishery practices. A hardy and popular fish, both males and females sport brilliant blue coloration and patterning, but males will develop pointed dorsal fins. There can be variation in color intensity of individual Opaline gouramis, however, as there are differences among commercial fishery stocks. Gouramis are Labyrinth fish, which means that they can directly breathe from the surface. Commonly selected for peaceful community tanks, but some individuals have been observed to be problematic in this setting. An adult Opaline gourami can reach a size of approximately 5″.

Diet Requirements: Opaline gouramis are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single Opaline gourami. A small group will require a larger aquarium. If sex is unknown, a group of 4 or more individuals is ideal. If sex is known, a single male with multiple females is generally preferred. While Opaline gouramis are hardy, we do not recommend adding them into a new aquarium as the “first fish” to avoid potential issues with more docile newcomers later on. The aquarium can be aquascaped with rocks and driftwood to provide ample hiding places, but vegetation (preferably live) should be on the denser side. Gouramis would also benefit from some floating plants to provide areas of shade. Avoid other Labyrinth fish, including Bettas, and long-finned fish that are slow-moving, such as guppies. Compatability with other gourami species is likely so long as the other species selected are similar in temperament. Mixing gouramis is best attempted in very large aquariums that can accommodate them all. Adding them all at the same time also increases the chance of success. Opaline gouramis would thrive best in an active aquarium that does not have overly competitive or aggressive tank mates. Tetras, rasboras, certain barbs and more peaceful cichlids are all good options. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 3-35, pH 5.0-8.0.

Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2” to 1-3/4”, Medium: 2” to 2-1/2”; Large: 3” to 3-1/2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.