Three Spot Gourami

The Three Spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) sometimes called the "Blue Gourami" is a species of Dwarf Gourami native to wetlands, swamps and marshes in East Asian countries including Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Males are more colourful with a distinctive marbled colour pattern often seen in other Gourami species.

Habitat

In the wild, these Gourami live in poorly oxygenated wetlands, marshlands and swamps. Because of this, they have evolved to have a labyrinth organ which is akin to a rudimentary lung. They use this to swim to the surface of the water and gulp air to supplement their breathing.

A comfortable temperature for these fish is between 23°C - 30°C.

Size

Our specimens currently measure approx. 6cm - 8cm

This species' maximum size typically reaches approx. 15cm

Aquarium

We recommend an aquarium with a minimum capacity of 130 Litres. This is to accommodate their maximum size.

These are generally peaceful fish that do well in a community aquarium to act as a centre piece with smaller shoaling fishes.

The tank should be well planted, as this is what this species prefers - try to add some floating plants for them to hide in and recreate their natural swamp-like habitat as best you can.

The tank should be well established to avoid any surprise changes in water parameters that may upset or be otherwise detrimental to the fish.

Feed with flake, granule, or frozen meaty foods such as bloodworm, brineshrimp, and mosquito larvae. These fish are omnivores so a balanced diet is essential for them to thrive.

As they are air breathers, there must be an air gap between the surface of the water and the lid of the aquarium.

pH levels should fall between the 6 - 8 range.
Hardness should fall between 5 - 20 dGH

Behaviour

These fish are often kept in pairs, but it is better to keep them in groups of 1 Male for several Females, tank size permitting. This is because Males can be territorial and compete amongst each other, which can lead to stress.

A Male will pursue any Females in his territory for breeding so the more Females you can house the better, as it will lessen the Males desires equally so that no single Female will always be the focus of his desires.

They can also be housed with other breeds of Dwarf Gourami of a similar size, and many of them can interbreed.

This is a freshwater species - Do not put them in a marine / saltwater aquarium.