19/02/2026
Trichogaster chuna (Honey Gourami) — Species Profile
Species Overview
www.aquasnack.co.uk
Common names: Honey Gourami, Sunset Honey Gourami, Red Honey Gourami (colour form)
Scientific name: Trichogaster chuna (often still seen as Colisa chuna in older sources)
Family: Osphronemidae (gouramis)
Temperament: Peaceful, calm, slightly shy; males can be territorial during breeding
Lifespan: Typically 4–6 years (longer with stable water and gentle tank mates)
Appearance
Size: Usually 4–5.5 cm (around 1.5–2.2")
Body shape: Classic gourami profile—laterally compressed, oval body with long a**l fin; “feelers” (pelvic fins) used to explore
Colouration:
Wild-type is a warm honey/bronze with subtle patterning.
Domestic strains can be brighter yellow/orange/red.
Distinguishing features:
Breeding males often show a darker throat/underside (can appear charcoal/black) and stronger overall colour.
Females tend to be paler, rounder-bodied, often with a faint lateral stripe.
Natural Distribution
Native to South Asia, especially the Ganges–Brahmaputra basin region.
Commonly recorded from India and Bangladesh, with nearby regional populations reported in surrounding areas depending on source/local drainage.
Habitat
Naturally inhabits slow-moving, plant-rich waters, such as:
Floodplains, marshes, ponds, ditches
Calm backwaters and gentle streams
Often found in shallow areas with heavy vegetation and leaf litter.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 24–28°C (ideal range), can tolerate slightly cooler short-term if stable
pH: 6.0–7.5 (best kept slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (approx. 2–12 dGH is a solid practical range)
Salinity: Freshwater (no salt needed; avoid brackish setups)
Aquarium Setup
Recommended tank size:
Single / pair: 45–60 cm tank (around 40–60 L)
Small group: larger is better; more footprint reduces stress
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel; dark substrates make colours pop and help shy fish settle
Decor & planting:
Heavily planted tank recommended (stems, crypts, floating plants)
Add wood, leaf litter, caves/cover to break lines of sight
Lighting: Moderate; floating plants help diffuse light and increase confidence
Flow: Prefer gentle flow—avoid high-current layouts
Filtration: Efficient but not aggressive; sponge or well-baffled filters work very well
Air access: Like all labyrinth fish, they need access to the surface to breathe—keep the surface unobstructed and avoid excessive surface agitation.
Feeding
Natural diet: Small insects, larvae, micro-crustaceans, zooplankton, biofilm
In captivity:
High-quality micro pellets/flakes as a base
Supplement with frozen/live foods: daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae (where safe), chopped bloodworm (not as a constant staple)
Tip: Small mouths—offer smaller foods and avoid overfeeding. They do best with small portions 1–2 times daily.
Breeding
Breeding type: Bubble-nest builder
Behaviour:
Male builds a bubble nest, often under floating plants
Courtship can include chasing—provide cover and visual breaks
Spawning notes:
After spawning, males typically guard the nest and eggs
Remove the female if she’s being harassed
Fry need very small first foods (infusoria/microworms, then baby brine shrimp)
Sexual dimorphism:
Males more colourful, slimmer, may show darker throat/underside in breeding condition
Females paler, fuller-bodied, more reserved patterning
Maintenance
Care level: Easy to moderate (easy once stable; they dislike instability)
Water change frequency:
Aim for 25–35% weekly (more if heavily stocked)
Sensitivities/challenges:
Sensitive to poor water quality, sudden parameter swings, and constant bullying
Because they breathe air, very cold drafts over the water surface can be stressful—keep a lid and stable room temps if possible.
Tank Mates
Compatible (calm, non-nippy):
Small rasboras, ember/neon-type tetras (where water matches), peaceful danios in calmer setups
Corydoras and small loaches (gentle species)
Peaceful dwarf shrimp sometimes work in dense planting (shrimplets may be eaten)
Use caution / avoid:
Fin nippers (many barbs), aggressive or very active fish that constantly outcompete food
Larger gouramis or territorial labyrinth fish in tight spaces
Boisterous cichlids or anything that makes them hide permanently
Important Notes
Best kept as: Single male with females (space permitting) or a peaceful community—avoid multiple males in small tanks.
Behavioural quirk: Shy fish that “disappear” in bare tanks; heavy planting changes everything.
Colour forms: Bright “red/sunset” strains can be stunning but may be more delicate if heavily line-bred—prioritise healthy stock and stable conditions.
Long-term success: Gentle flow, warm stable water, calm tank mates, and floating plants are the winning combination.
If you want, tell me your tank size and current stock list, and I’ll tailor a “best setup + best tank mate” version for your exact aquarium.
