Gold Gourami

Overview

• Scientific Name: Trichopodus trichopterus
• Common Names: Gold Gourami, Golden Gourami
• Type: A selectively bred color morph of the Blue Gourami, known for its golden-yellow color.

Appearance

• Body Color: The Gold Gourami has a bright yellow or golden body with some lighter or silvery hues along the belly. Faint spots may be visible on the body, though these are often less pronounced than in the Blue Gourami variant.
• Size: Can grow up to 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) in length.
• Fins: Long, flowing dorsal and anal fins, often with a slight orange or red tint. The ventral fins are long and threadlike, used as sensory organs.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 4-6 years in captivity.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Aquarium Size:
  • Minimum of 20 gallons for a single fish.
  • For groups or community setups, at least 30 gallons is recommended.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C).
  • pH: 6.0-8.0.
  • Hardness: 5-35 dGH.
  • Filtration: Moderate filtration is ideal, as they prefer slow-moving or still waters.
  • Substrate: They are not picky about substrate but appreciate tanks with smooth gravel or sand. Dense vegetation and hiding spots help reduce stress.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times per day in small amounts that can be consumed in a few minutes.
• Food Options:
  • High-quality flake or pellet foods.
  • Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
  • Vegetables such as blanched spinach or peas can occasionally be offered.

Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Generally peaceful, though males can be territorial, especially during breeding or in smaller tanks.
• Compatibility: Suitable for community tanks with other peaceful fish of similar size, such as mollies, platies, or larger tetras. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish like tiger barbs.
• Activity Level: Moderately active swimmers that prefer the middle and upper areas of the tank.
• Temperament: While typically peaceful, they may become territorial with other males or similarly sized fish, especially in smaller tanks.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Males build bubble nests at the water’s surface to attract females. After mating, the female lays eggs, and the male places them in the bubble nest.
• Eggs: The male guards the eggs until they hatch in about 24-48 hours. After spawning, it’s best to remove the female to prevent aggression.
• Fry Care: Fry become free-swimming in about 3 days. Males should be removed once the fry are independent to prevent them from eating the young.

Health and Care

• Regular Maintenance:

  • Perform 20-25% water changes weekly to maintain water quality.
  • Keep an eye on ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.

• Common Diseases:

  • Ich (White Spot Disease): Treat with elevated temperatures and medications.
  • Fin Rot: Caused by poor water conditions. Improve water quality and use antibacterial treatments.
  • Swim Bladder Issues: Can result from poor water quality or overfeeding. Maintain proper diet and tank conditions.