Care Requirements
Adult Size
2.0" (5cm)
Min Tank
15 gal
Temperature
72-82°F
pH Range
6-7.5
Lifespan
4-8 years
Min Group
Can be kept alone
Diet
Omnivore
Swim Level
Top
Bioload
2/10
Hardness
4-15 dGH
About Honey Gourami
The Honey Gourami is often overshadowed by its flashier cousin, the dwarf gourami, but experienced aquarists know better. While dwarf gouramis are plagued by a devastating virus (DGIV) that kills the majority within months of purchase, honey gouramis are healthy, hardy fish that actually live out their full lifespans. For anyone wanting a small gourami, honey gouramis are simply the smarter choice.
Native to India and Bangladesh, honey gouramis are named for the golden-yellow coloration that males develop, especially during breeding. They're small, peaceful labyrinth fish that breathe atmospheric air using a specialized organ—you'll see them regularly surface to gulp air, which is completely normal behavior.
What makes honey gouramis special is their gentle personality. They're shy, inquisitive fish that observe their environment carefully before acting. Unlike more boisterous fish, they move deliberately and seem genuinely aware of their surroundings. This personality makes them endearing to keepers who appreciate fish with character over constant hyperactivity.
Natural Habitat & Origin
Honey gouramis are found in northeastern India and Bangladesh, inhabiting slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters including ponds, ditches, and flooded fields. These habitats are often shallow and warm, with dense plant growth reaching the surface. The water is typically soft and slightly acidic, stained by organic material.
As labyrinth fish, they evolved the ability to breathe atmospheric air—an adaptation to the often oxygen-poor waters of their native habitat. This makes them tolerant of various water conditions, though they still appreciate clean, warm, planted environments that mimic their natural home.
Native Region
Northeastern India and Bangladesh
Habitat Type
Slow-moving waters, ponds, ditches, flooded fields
Wild Water Conditions
Warm (72-82°F), soft (4-15 dGH), slightly acidic to neutral, heavily vegetated
Appearance & Varieties
Honey gouramis are small, reaching only about 2 inches (5 cm) in males and slightly larger in females. They have the typical gourami shape—laterally compressed body with long, thread-like pelvic fins (actually touch-sensitive organs used to explore their environment). The dorsal and anal fins are rounded.
Male and female coloration differs significantly. Males develop honey-yellow to rich orange coloration, with a dark blue-black throat and belly when in breeding condition—this dramatic color change is striking. Females are plain silvery-brown with a faint horizontal stripe. Unfortunately, many 'honey gouramis' sold in stores are actually color-morphed dwarf gouramis or hybrids—true honey gouramis have more subtle colors and smaller adult size.
Popular Varieties
| Variety | Description | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Wild-type | Males honey-yellow with blue-black breeding dress; females silvery-brown | Common |
| Gold/Sunset | Enhanced yellow-orange coloration throughout; selectively bred | Common |
| Red/Robin Red | Deeper orange-red coloration; sometimes hybrid origin | Uncommon |
Tank Setup & Requirements
Quick Requirements Summary
Tank Size
Minimum Tank Size
15 gallons
Recommended Tank Size
15 gallons
Honey gouramis thrive in planted tanks that provide security and reduce their natural shyness. They're undemanding fish but show their best behavior and coloration when the tank setup meets their preferences for cover and calm water.
Water Parameters
Temperature 72-82°F (22-28°C). They prefer soft to moderately hard water (4-15 dGH) and slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). As labyrinth fish, they need access to the water surface to breathe air—don't completely cover the tank. Surface air should be warm and humid, not cold.
Substrate
Any substrate works. Dark substrates enhance their honey coloration. They don't interact much with the substrate, spending most time in upper levels.
Plants & Decorations
Heavily planted tanks are ideal. Honey gouramis are shy and need hiding spots to feel secure. Floating plants are especially appreciated—they provide cover and diffuse lighting. Tall plants, driftwood, and leaf litter all help create a secure environment.
Filtration & Water Flow
Gentle filtration essential—honey gouramis come from still or slow-moving water and dislike strong current. Sponge filters are ideal. If using hang-on-back filters, baffle the output or use spray bars to reduce flow.
Lighting
Subdued to moderate lighting preferred. Bright, unfiltered light makes them hide constantly. Floating plants naturally diffuse light and are strongly recommended.
Diet & Feeding Guide
Diet Type
omnivore
Feeding Frequency
2x daily
Portion Size
What they consume in 2 minutes
Honey gouramis are omnivores that accept most small foods. In the wild, they eat small insects, larvae, and zooplankton, often picking food from plant surfaces. They're not aggressive feeders and may be outcompeted by faster tankmates.
Best Foods for Honey Gourami
- Quality micro pellets — Slow-sinking types work best for surface feeders
- Crushed flake food — Readily accepted; crush to appropriate size
- Frozen daphnia — Excellent natural food, promotes good health
- Frozen bloodworms — High-protein treat, helps condition for breeding
- Frozen brine shrimp — Good variety, readily accepted
- Live foods — Daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae—triggers natural hunting
- Bug Bites — Small formula readily accepted, good nutrition
Foods to Avoid
- Large pellets or foods — Small mouths—food must be appropriately sized
- Fast-sinking foods only — Surface/mid-water feeders may miss rapidly sinking food
Honey gouramis are slow, deliberate feeders easily outcompeted by faster fish. In community tanks, ensure they're getting food—consider target feeding or adding food at multiple locations. They use their pelvic fins (the long 'feelers') to touch and explore food before eating.
Behavior & Temperament
Honey gouramis are gentle, inquisitive fish with distinctive personalities. They move deliberately through the tank, using their thread-like pelvic fins to touch and explore their environment. These fins are sensory organs, not just for swimming—watching a honey gourami 'feel' its surroundings is fascinating.
They're naturally shy, especially when newly introduced or in sparse tanks. Given proper cover, they become bold enough to swim in open areas while keeping escape routes nearby. Unlike hyperactive fish, honey gouramis observe before acting, giving them an almost thoughtful quality.
Males can be kept together in larger tanks with plenty of cover, though some minor sparring may occur. They're not aggressive—disputes involve displaying and chasing rather than actual harm. Females are even more peaceful. Breeding males develop dramatic coloration and build bubble nests at the surface.
Tank Mates: Compatibility Guide
Compatible Tank Mates
Excellent match—peaceful schooler that won't stress gouramis
Classic combination, similar water preferences
Peaceful bottom dwellers, completely different zone
Peaceful barb, no competition or harassment
Tiny, peaceful, won't outcompete for food
Gentle algae eater, won't bother gouramis
Peaceful bottom dweller, soft water preference matches
Tiny and peaceful, different zone
Sometimes works with female betta or very calm male; monitor carefully
Tank Mates to Avoid
Tiger Barb
May harass and fin-nip slow-moving gouramis
Male Betta
May see male gourami as rival; both are territorial labyrinth fish
Dwarf Gourami
Competition and potential aggression; also disease transmission risk
Other male gouramis
Territorial conflicts in small tanks
Large, aggressive fish
Will stress and potentially harm peaceful honey gouramis
Fast, competitive feeders
Honey gouramis are slow eaters that get outcompeted
Common Pairing Questions
Can honey gouramis live with bettas?
Risky. Both are labyrinth fish with similar temperament and tank zone preferences. Male bettas may see male honey gouramis as rivals. Females of either species may work better. If attempting, use a 20+ gallon heavily planted tank and monitor carefully. Have a backup plan.
Can I keep multiple honey gouramis together?
Yes, but with considerations. A male-female pair or one male with multiple females works best. Multiple males can work in larger tanks (20+ gallons) with plenty of cover, but some sparring may occur. All-female groups are the most peaceful option.
Are honey gouramis better than dwarf gouramis?
For health and longevity, absolutely yes. Dwarf gouramis are plagued by Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV), which kills the majority within months. Honey gouramis don't carry this disease and typically live 4-8 years. For any new aquarist wanting a small gourami, honey gouramis are the smarter choice.
Honey gouramis are bubble nest builders with fascinating breeding behavior. Males in breeding condition develop stunning coloration—honey-yellow body with a dark blue-black throat and chest—and construct floating bubble nests using air and saliva.
To breed, provide a mature pair in a 10+ gallon tank with gentle filtration, warm water (80-82°F), and floating plants where the male can build his nest. Condition with live or frozen foods for 1-2 weeks. The male entices the female to his nest, wraps around her to release and fertilize eggs, then places them in the bubble nest.
Remove the female after spawning—she plays no parental role and may eat eggs. The male guards and tends the nest until fry hatch in 24-36 hours. Remove the male when fry become free-swimming. Fry are tiny and require infusoria, then baby brine shrimp after a week.
Health Issues & Disease Prevention
Honey gouramis are remarkably healthy compared to dwarf gouramis. They don't carry the devastating DGIV virus and generally resist disease when basic care is provided. Their hardiness is one of their biggest advantages—they actually live out their expected lifespans.
Common Diseases
| Disease | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Ich (White Spot) | White spots like salt grains on body and fins, scratching against objects, clamped fins | Raise temperature to 82-86°F gradually, add aquarium salt cautiously (1 tsp per 5 gallons), use ich medication. They're hardy and respond well to treatment. |
| Fin Rot | Fraying or deteriorating fins, white or red edges | Improve water quality—usually the primary cause. Antibacterial medication if severe. Ensure gentle water flow isn't contributing to fin damage. |
| Velvet | Gold or rust-colored dust on body, clamped fins, scratching, lethargy | Dim lights (parasite is photosynthetic), copper-based medication, raise temperature slightly. |
| Bacterial Infections | Redness, sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite | Improve water quality, antibacterial medication (Kanaplex, Maracyn 2). Often secondary to stress or injury. |
Signs of a Healthy Honey Gourami
- Active exploration using pelvic fins to 'feel' surroundings
- Rich honey coloration (especially males)
- Regular trips to surface for air (normal behavior)
- Intact, spread fins
- Curious but not panicked behavior
- Good appetite
Prevention Tips
- Buy from reputable sources—avoid fish in tanks with sick individuals
- Provide heavily planted tank with hiding spots to reduce stress
- Maintain gentle water flow—they dislike strong current
- Ensure surface access for air breathing—don't completely cover tank
- Keep water warm and avoid temperature fluctuations
- Quarantine new fish for 2-3 weeks before adding to main tank
Frequently Asked Questions
Honey gouramis reach only about 2 inches (5 cm), making them suitable for tanks as small as 10 gallons. They're smaller than dwarf gouramis despite often being confused with them.
With proper care, honey gouramis live 4-8 years. This is dramatically longer than dwarf gouramis in practice, since DGIV kills most dwarf gouramis within their first year in captivity.
For health, yes. Dwarf gouramis are plagued by Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV), which is nearly universal in commercially bred dwarf gouramis and usually fatal. Honey gouramis don't carry this disease and are genuinely healthy fish that live full lifespans.
Normal for new fish—they need time to acclimate. Ensure plenty of plant cover (especially floating plants), avoid aggressive tankmates, and keep lights subdued. Once comfortable (may take 1-2 weeks), they'll venture out more frequently.
Yes, they can be kept singly and don't require company of their own species. However, they can also be kept in pairs or small groups. Avoid multiple males in small tanks unless heavily planted.
This is completely normal—honey gouramis are labyrinth fish that breathe atmospheric air. Regular trips to the surface to gulp air are healthy behavior, not a sign of low oxygen. They've evolved this ability for their native oxygen-poor waters.
Minimum 10 gallons for a single fish or pair. Larger tanks (15-20 gallons) are better for groups or community setups. They don't need much swimming space but appreciate horizontal area over height.
Males develop honey-yellow to orange coloration with dark blue-black throat/belly when breeding. Females are plain silvery-brown with a horizontal stripe. Males are also slightly smaller and slimmer. Note: many 'honey gouramis' sold are actually color-morphed dwarf gouramis.
Tips for Keeping Honey Gourami
Pro Tips
- ✓Avoid 'sunset honey gourami' from big box stores—often mislabeled dwarf gouramis or hybrids with health issues
- ✓Floating plants are your best friend—they reduce light, provide cover, and support bubble nests
- ✓Their pelvic 'feelers' are sensory organs—watching them explore is part of the appeal
- ✓Males in breeding dress (dark throat) are spectacular—well-fed, comfortable males display regularly
- ✓They're smart enough to recognize their keeper and may 'beg' at feeding time
- ✓A single honey gourami makes an excellent peaceful centerpiece for a nano community tank
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Buying mislabeled fish—many 'honey gouramis' are actually dwarf gouramis or hybrids
- ✗Strong water current—they need gentle flow and surface access for breathing
- ✗No hiding spots—shy fish that become stressed in bare tanks
- ✗Fast, aggressive tankmates—slow feeders that get outcompeted and stressed
- ✗Keeping with male bettas—similar territory and potential aggression
- ✗Bright lighting without plant cover—makes them hide constantly
Sources
- FishBase — Accepted scientific name, maximum size and native range for Honey Gourami.
Featured in Biotope Presets
Related Species You Might Like
View All Fish →
Indian Glassfish
Parambassis ranga
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila
Adolfo's Corydoras
Corydoras adolfoi
Assassin Snail
Clea helena
Axolotl
Ambystoma mexicanum
Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis
Banjo Catfish
Bunocephalus coracoideus
Ready to Add Honey Gourami to Your Tank?
Use our free stocking calculator to check compatibility, bioload, and get personalized recommendations.