Three Spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) — Complete Care Guide
The Three Spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) is one of the most popular and widely available freshwater fish in the hobby. This species comes in several stunning color varieties — the classic Blue Gourami, the marbled Opaline Gourami, and the bright Gold Gourami — all of which are selectively bred forms of the same species. Hardy, adaptable, and full of personality, they make excellent fish for intermediate aquarists.
Color Varieties
- Blue Gourami: The wild-type coloration — silvery-blue body with two dark spots on the side (plus the eye, making "three spots").
- Opaline Gourami: A marbled pattern of blue and dark swirling markings across the body.
- Gold Gourami: A golden-yellow body, often with faint spotting. Bright and eye-catching under aquarium lighting.
Species Overview
- Scientific name: Trichopodus trichopterus
- Common names: Blue Gourami, Opaline Gourami, Gold Gourami, Three Spot Gourami
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Origin: Southeast Asia — Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia
- Adult size: 4–6 inches (10–15 cm)
- Lifespan: 4–6 years with proper care
- Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Tank Size & Setup
These gouramis grow to a moderate size and need adequate space. A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a single fish, with 30+ gallons for a pair or community setup.
- Moderate to heavy planting with open swimming areas
- Floating plants to provide surface cover and reduce stress
- Driftwood and caves for hiding spots
- Gentle to moderate filtration — they dislike very strong currents
- A tight-fitting lid — they are labyrinth fish that breathe air at the surface and can jump
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- pH: 6.0–8.0 (adaptable to a wide range)
- Hardness: 5–25 dGH
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <30 ppm
Perform 25–30% water changes weekly. One of the hardiest gouramis available — they tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making them great for beginners.
Diet & Feeding
Three Spot Gouramis are omnivores and enthusiastic eaters. They accept a wide variety of foods:
- High-quality flake or pellet food as a staple
- Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
- Blanched vegetables: zucchini, spinach, peas
Feed 1–2 times daily, only what they can consume in 2–3 minutes. Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.
Temperament & Behavior
Three Spot Gouramis have a bold, curious personality. They are generally peaceful but can become semi-aggressive, especially males toward each other or toward smaller, timid fish. Key behaviors to note:
- Males are territorial with other males of the same species — keep only one male per tank unless the aquarium is large
- They may nip at the fins of slow-moving or long-finned fish
- Like all labyrinth fish, they regularly surface to breathe air — this is completely normal
- Males in breeding condition develop a bright orange throat and become more colorful
Compatible Tankmates
Choose tankmates that are similarly sized and not overly timid or long-finned:
- Medium-sized tetras (Black Skirt, Congo Tetras)
- Barbs (Tiger Barbs can be risky — they may nip each other)
- Rainbowfish
- Corydoras and other bottom dwellers
- Plecos
- Cichlids of similar size and temperament (with caution)
Avoid very small fish (they may be eaten), long-finned fish (fin nipping risk), and other male gouramis of the same species.
Breeding
Three Spot Gouramis are bubble nest builders and can be bred in a home aquarium:
- Raise temperature to 80–82°F to trigger spawning behavior
- Provide floating plants for nest building
- Condition the pair with live or frozen foods
- The male builds a large bubble nest at the surface and courts the female
- After spawning, remove the female — the male guards the nest and fry aggressively
- Fry are free-swimming after 3–4 days and can be fed infusoria or commercial fry food
Common Health Issues
- Ich: White spots on the body and fins. Treat with heat therapy (raise to 86°F for 2 weeks) or medication.
- Velvet (Oodinium): Gold or rust-colored dust on the body. Treat with copper-based medication in a quarantine tank.
- Fin rot: Usually caused by poor water quality or aggression. Improve water conditions and treat with antibacterial medication if needed.
- Bacterial infections: Maintain clean water and quarantine new fish before adding to the main tank.
Ready to Add a Three Spot Gourami to Your Tank?
Whether you prefer the classic Blue, the marbled Opaline, or the vibrant Gold variety, Three Spot Gouramis are a fantastic addition to any medium or large community aquarium. Browse our available stock at BioAcuatica and find the perfect gourami for your setup.
All fish ship with a live arrival guarantee. Contact us with any questions about compatibility or tank setup before ordering.