Thick Lipped Gourami

The Thick Lipped Gourami is a peaceful, hardy gourami species that is less common than the popular Dwarf Gourami but equally attractive and more robust. They have a silver-blue body with iridescent stripes and the characteristic thick lips that give them their name. Native to Southeast Asia, these labyrinth fish are excellent community tank residents that are less prone to the health issues that affect Dwarf Gouramis. They are peaceful and can be kept in pairs or small groups in planted community tanks.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Thick Lipped Gouramis thrive in standard community setups.

Essential Setup:

• 20+ gallons minimum
• Moderate planting
• Floating plants appreciated
• Gentle to moderate filtration
• Surface access for breathing

Water Quality

• Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (3-12 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Omnivores accepting most foods:

• Quality flakes or pellets
• Frozen foods
• Vegetables: blanched spinach, peas
• Live foods for conditioning

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful community fish:

• Peaceful: Good with most community fish
• Labyrinth fish: Breathe from surface
• Active swimmers: Use middle to upper levels
• Less shy: Than some gourami species

Good Tank Mates:

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras
• Platies, swordtails
• Other peaceful fish

Avoid:

• Fin nippers
• Aggressive fish
• Very active fish that may stress them

Comparison to Dwarf Gourami

• More robust: Less prone to disease
• Similar size: Slightly larger
• Peaceful: Less aggressive than Dwarfs
• Colorful: Different but attractive colors
• Hardier: Better for beginners

Sexing

• Males: More colorful, pointed dorsal fin
• Females: Duller, rounded dorsal fin, fuller body

Breeding

Bubble nest builder:

• Male builds nest: At surface
• Condition: Feed well, raise temperature
• Spawning: Under floating plants
• Fry care: Feed baby brine shrimp

Tips for Success

• Good alternative to Dwarf Gourami
• Keep in pairs or small groups
• Provide plant cover
• Varied diet for best color
• Very hardy and forgiving