Gold Gourami Care Guide 101: Appearance & All |Updated| 2024

Gold Gourami is a popular freshwater aquarium fish. They belong to the Osphronemidae family, which contains other popular aquarium fish, such as bettas, paradisefish, and kissing gouramis.

They are characterized by their bright golden coloration and long, flowing fins. These peaceful fish make great additions to community tanks and can be kept with various tank mates.

The Gold Gourami is a community fish and can live peacefully with other non-aggressive tank mates. They are not territorial and do not require a lot of space, making them ideal for smaller tanks.

They are relatively easy to care for and can significantly add to any freshwater aquarium.

This care guide will teach you everything you need about caring for Gold Gouramis, including tank setup, diet, and joint health problems. By the end of this guide, you will be an expert on Gold Gourami care!

So without further ado, let’s get started!

Species Summary

Scientific name:	Trichopodus trichopterus
Common names:	Gold Gourami, Three Spot Gourami
Family:	Osphronemidae
Coloration:	Various colors, patterns, shapes
Origin:	Southeast Asia (Indonesia)
Size:	Up to 6 inches long
Life span:	4-6 years
Habitat:	These fish are found in Southeast Asia’s slow-moving rivers, canals, and ponds.
Behavior:	They tend to be more hostile compared to other fish in the Gourami family
Minimum Tank Size:	05-20 gallons
Temperature range:	73° to 82° F (22.8° to 27.8° C)
pH range:	6.0-8.5
Water type:	Freshwater
Water hardness:	5-30 dGH
Activity Level:	Moderate
Gender Differences:	Males are larger and have more extended fins than females
Care Level:	Easy
Temperament:	Semi-aggressive
Compatibility:	Similar size and temperament
Breeding:	They are egg scatterers and will breed in any aquarium with both males and females
Diet:	They are omnivores and eat various foods, including pellets, flakes, and live and frozen food.
Feeding Frequency:	1-2 times per day

The Gold Gourami is a popular aquarium fish because of its bright color and long fins. They come in various colors: gold, green, blue, and orange. The scientific name for the Gold Gourami is Trichopodus trichopterus. They are also known as three-spot gouramis because of the three spots on their body.

They are native to Southeast Asia and Indonesia but can no longer be found in the wild. Their natural habitat is heavily vegetated, with plenty of hiding places, but they can adapt to various environments. They prefer areas with shallow water and plenty of plants, but they can also be found in deeper waters.

Gold Gouramis are popular and readily available in pet stores. They are easy to care for and make great additions to community tanks. The cost of Gold Gourami ranges from $5 to $20. But, the price can vary depending on the fish’s size, color, and pattern.

Gold Gourami Appearance

Gold Gouramis are brightly colored freshwater fish in various colors, including gold, green, blue, and orange. The most common color is gold.

They get their name from their characteristic three spots. One spot is on their forehead between their eyes. The other two spots are on their body, one behind each gill.

They have long fins that can range from clear to orange. The males have more extended fins than the females.

But the two significant factors that affect coloration are mood and tank condition.

Males are typically more colorful than females. But, the color of Gold Gourami can change based on their mood or the water conditions in their tank.

If they are stressed, their color will fade. And if the water quality in their tank is poor, their color will also fade.

The body of the Gold Gourami is torpedo-shaped with a pointed nose. They have a small mouth that is equipped with teeth. They use two pairs of barbels on their chin to find food.

Their labyrinth organ allows them to breathe air directly from the surface. This adaptation allows them to live in murky waters with low oxygen levels.

Also Read: Freshwater Flounder Care Guide: Appearance, Diet, Breeding & All

Gold Gourami Size & Growth Rate

The size of Gold Gourami can range from 2.5 to 6 inches long. They are one of the smaller freshwater fish in the Osphronemidae family. Males are typically larger than females, but both sexes can reach the same max size.

The growth rate of Gold Gourami is relatively fast. They can grow up to 1 inch per month when they are young. However, their growth rate will slow down as they reach adulthood.

Gold Gourami Lifespan

The average lifespan of Gold Gourami is 4 to 6 years. But they can live up to 8 years in captivity with proper care.

However, it’s common for them to only live for 2 or 3 years. This is usually due to poor water conditions, lack of food, or stress.

Gold Gourami Behavior & Temperament

Gold Gouramis tend to be more hostile compared to other goldfish. They are known to be aggressive eaters and often steal food from other fish in the tank. 

They are also known to be fin nippers, so keeping them with other peaceful fish is essential. They are not the best choice for a beginner aquarium.

They require a bit more care and attention than other goldfish.

As they mature and grow in size, they might become more aggressive and territorial. If this happens, moving them to a larger tank might be necessary. 

While this species is semi-aggressive, it can be kept with other goldfish in a community tank. It is essential to provide plenty of hiding places and keep an eye on the fish in case bullying occurs. 

Due to their labyrinth organ, they can breathe air directly from the water’s surface. This allows them to survive in habitats with poor water quality.

They are hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. However, it is still essential to maintain good water quality in their tank.

The male Gold Gourami fish will also use the surface to build a bubble nest. This is where he will lay his eggs and care for them until they hatch.

The female goldfish often lays eggs in the male’s bubble nest. Once the eggs have hatched, the fry will be cared for by the parents until they can fend for themselves.

Gold Gourami Breeding

Goldfish can be bred in captivity. To breed goldfish, you will need to set up a breeding tank. The breeding tank should be at least 40 gallons in size and should have a filter and heater.

You will also need to add some plants to the breeding tank. The plants will provide hiding places for the fry (baby goldfish). To induce spawning, you must raise the water temperature to 73° to 82° F (22.8° to 27.8° C). You must also add a clay pot or another type of cave to the breeding tank. The clay pot or cave will be used as a spawning site.

Once the water has been heated to the proper temperature, you must add a male and female goldfish to the tank. The male goldfish will chase the female around and nip at her fins. The female will eventually lay her eggs in the cave or pot.

Once the eggs have been laid, you must remove the parents from the tank. The parents will eat the fry if they are left in the tank. The eggs will hatch in 5-7 days.

Once the fry has hatched, you must feed baby brine shrimp or micro worms. The fry will proliferate and be ready to move to a larger tank in 4-6 weeks.

After 4-6 weeks, the fry can be moved to a larger tank. It is important to keep in mind that goldfish can grow to be quite large. Adult goldfish should be kept in tanks that are at least 35 gallons in size.

Gold Gourami Care Guide

Gold Gouramis are among the hardest and easiest to care for freshwater fish. They are a popular choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists. With proper care, they can live up to 8 years in captivity.

They can survive in a tank with varying oxygen levels, water quality, and temperature. But, they prefer warm water with plenty of hiding places.

As an omnivore, their diet consists of both plants and animals. They will eat almost anything you give them but prefer a diet that is high in protein.

The only real challenge in Gold Gourami care is finding suitable tank mates. They are relatively peaceful fish but can become aggressive when they feel threatened. The best tank mates for them are other peaceful fish that can tolerate the same water conditions.

They are characterized by their bright golden coloration and long, flowing fins. These peaceful fish make great additions to community tanks and can be kept with various tank mates.

Gold Gourami Food & Diet

Gold Gouramis are omnivores, meaning they will eat plants and animals. They’ll need a balanced diet of vegetables paired with live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods.

Some great vegetables for them include:

• Zucchini
• Peas
• Cucumber
• Lettuce
• Carrots
• Broccoli

You can feed your fresh goldfish vegetables or purchase freeze-dried or frozen vegetables.

Some amazing live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods for them include:

• Bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Tubifex Worms

Feeding your goldfish various foods is important to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients.

They are hearty eaters and generally eat anything you put before them. However, feeding them a balanced diet is essential to keep them healthy.

Diet Foods To Avoid

There are a few diet foods that you should avoid feeding them.

These include:

• Raw meat
• Insects
• Fish food that is high in copper
• Food that is high in nitrates or ammonia
• Food that is high in phosphates

Raw meat, insects, and fish food that is high in copper can all be toxic to them.

Food high in nitrates or ammonia can also be harmful to them.

Phosphates can cause algae to grow in the tank, harming them.

Gold Gourami Feeding Schedule

It is essential to establish a feeding schedule for them. A good rule of thumb is to feed them once a day. You can feed them all at once or split their food into two meals.

If you feed them twice a day, it is best to feed them in the morning and at night.

It is essential only to feed them as much as they can eat in one sitting. A good rule of thumb is only to feed them what they can eat in 2 minutes.

If you overfeed them, the uneaten food will sink to the bottom of the tank and rot. This can cause the water quality to decline and can lead to disease.

Gold Gourami Tank Size

The minimum tank size for Gold Gouramis is 15 gallons. But 50 to 60 gallons is the ideal tank size.

They are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. But they need plenty of hiding places to feel safe. So, the bigger the tank, the better.

When setting up your tank, it is essential to remember that Gold Gouramis are jumpers. So, covering your tank with a lid or screen would be best to prevent them from jumping out.

Water Parameters

Gold Gouramis are relatively tolerant of different water conditions. But, they prefer warm water with a neutral pH.

The ideal water temperature for them is 73° to 82° Fahrenheit. The ideal pH is 6.0 to 8.5. The water hardness should be 5 to 30 dH. To maintain these water conditions, you must use a heater and filter.

They can live in water with a lower or higher temperature and pH, but it is not recommended. If the water conditions in your tank are not ideal, your Gold Gourami’s color will fade, and they may become stressed.

It is also essential to keep the water in your tank clean. They are sensitive to ammonia and nitrites. So, you will need to do a weekly water change of 25% to keep the levels of these toxins low.

Filtration

Gold Gouramis do not produce much waste so a simple filtration system will suffice. A good filter will help to keep the water in your tank clean and help to maintain the ideal water conditions.

We recommend using a filter rated for a tank of at least twice the size of your tank. So, if you have a 20-gallon tank, you should use a filter rated for at least a 40-gallon tank. You can also use an external canister filter.

Canister filters are more expensive but much more efficient at filtering water. They also come with various features that you can use to customize the filtration for your tank.

Some recommended filters for Gold Gourami tanks are:

• The Fluval C4
• The Eheim Classic 2213
• The Marineland Magnaflow

Substrate

The substrate is not necessary, but it can be beneficial. The substrate provides a place for plants to root and gives the tank a more natural appearance. We recommend using a substrate that contains iron.

Some recommended substrates for Gold Gourami tanks are:

• The Seachem Fluorite also has a nice dark color that will contrast nicely with the plants.
• The Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate also has a neutral pH, which is ideal for plants.
• The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum: This substrate is designed for shrimp use but can also be used for plants. It contains iron and other essential nutrients that plants need to grow.

Water Conditioners

Water conditioners are not necessary, but they can be beneficial. Water conditioners remove harmful chemicals from the water, making it safe for fish to live in. We recommend using a water conditioner that contains chlorine and heavy metals.

Some recommended water conditioners for Gold Gourami tanks are:

• The API Freshwater Master Test Kit
• The Seachem Prime
• The API Stress Coat

Plants

They are not particularly fussy when it comes to plants. They will eat most aquatic plants, so choosing plants that are not too delicate is best.

Some good options for Gold Gourami tanks are:

• Anubias: This is a tough plant that can withstand much abuse. It is a good option for tanks with goldfish or fish that like to nibble on plants.
• Java Fern: This plant is a good choice for tanks with goldfish or other fish that like to nibble on plants. It can be attached to driftwood or rocks.
• Bolbitis: Bolbitis is a slow-growing plant that can tolerate various conditions. It is an easy plant to care for and does not require much attention.
• The Water Wisteria: Water wisteria is a fast-growing plant that can quickly cover the gravel in your tank. It produces a lot of oxygen and provides hiding places for small fish.

Heating

They prefer warm water, so you need to use a heater to maintain the ideal water temperature. We recommend using a heater rated for at least twice the size of your tank. So, if you have a 20-gallon tank, you should use a heater rated for at least a 40-gallon tank.

Some recommended heaters for Gold Gourami tanks are:

• The Fluval Eheim Jager Aquarium Heater
• The Hydor Theo Aquarium Heater
• The Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Heater

Lighting

Gold Gouramis do not require special lighting but prefer dimmer conditions. We recommend using a fluorescent tube light with a daylight spectrum. This will provide the ideal lighting for your Gold Gourami tank.

Some recommended lights for Gold Gourami tanks are:

• The Zoo Med AquaSun Aquarium Hood
• The Marineland Reef Capable LED
• The Fluval Sea CP1 Power Compact Fluorescent

Fertilizers

Plants need nutrients to grow and thrive. The best way to provide these nutrients is through the use of fertilizers. Fertilizers can be added to the water or applied directly to the plants. We recommend using a fertilizer that contains iron, as this is an essential nutrient for plants.

Some recommended fertilizers for Gold Gourami tanks are:

• The Seachem Iron
• The Seachem Flourish Tabs
• The API Leaf Zone Plant Food

Co2 Systems

If you want to grow healthy plants, you must provide them with carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is essential for plant growth but not in the air. The best way to provide your plants with carbon dioxide is through a co2 system.

Some recommended co2 systems for Gold Gourami tanks are:

• The Flourish Excel
• The Aqua Vista 500 Inline CO2 Aquarium Kit
• The Aqua Vista 1000 Inline CO2 Aquarium Kit

Decorations

Decorations are not necessary, but they can be beneficial. Decorations provide hiding places for fish and make the tank more visually appealing. We recommend using decorations that are safe for fish and plants.

Some recommended decorations for Gold Gourami tanks are:

• The Zoo Med Aqua Scapes Aquatic Plant Kit
• The Marimo Moss Ball
• The Penn-Plax Aquarium Decor Rock Cave

Other Tank Accessories

There are a few other things that you will need for your Gold Gourami tank.

These include:

• The Aqua Culture 10-gallon fishnet is a good choice because it is safe for fish and plants. It is also made of durable materials.
• The Zoo Med Laboratories 5-in-1 Heater is a good choice because it can be used for freshwater and saltwater tanks. It is also adjustable to set the perfect temperature for your Gold Gourami.
• The Tetra Aqua Safe Plus is a good choice because it makes tap water safe for fish. It also adds essential minerals and vitamins to the water.

So these are some things you need to set up a Gold Gourami tank. You can create a beautiful and healthy environment for your fish with time and effort.

Water Changes

Water changes are an essential part of Gold Gourami care. Water changes remove harmful toxins from the water and replenish essential minerals and vitamins. We recommend doing a water change every week.

To do a water change, you will need the following:

• A siphon: A siphon is used to remove water from the tank. We recommend using an aquarium-grade siphon.
• A water bucket: A water bucket holds the water you remove from the tank. We recommend using a clean, food-grade bucket.
• A hose: A hose transports the water from the tank to the bucket. We recommend using a flexible, aquarium-safe hose.
• A water conditioner: A water conditioner makes tap water safe for fish. We recommend using a product that contains chlorine and ammonia removers.

The steps for doing a water change are as follows:

• Remove the lid from the tank.
• Place the siphon in the tank and start the water flow.
• Siphon the water into the bucket.
• Stop the flow of water when you have reached the desired amount.
• Add fresh, treated water to the tank.
• Place the lid back on the tank.

Cleaning The Tank

Cleaning the tank is an essential part of Gold Gourami care. Cleaning the tank removes debris and waste from the water and keeps it looking its best. We recommend cleaning the tank every two weeks.

To clean the tank, you will need the following:

• Algae scrape: An algae scraper removes algae from the tank. We recommend using a plastic or glass scraper.
• A sponge: A sponge is used to wipe down the inside of the tank. We recommend using an aquarium-safe sponge.
• A gravel vacuum: A gravel vacuum removes debris and waste from the gravel. We recommend using an aquarium-grade gravel vacuum.

The steps for cleaning the tank are as follows:

• Remove the lid from the tank and set it aside.
• Use the algae scraper to remove the algae inside the tank.
• Use the sponge to wipe down the inside of the tank.
• Place the gravel vacuum in the tank and start the water flow.
• Suck up the debris and waste from the gravel.
• Stop the flow of water when you have reached the desired amount.
• Add fresh, treated water to the tank.
• Place the lid back on the tank.

Cleaning The Filter

Cleaning the filter is an essential part of Gold Gourami care. Cleaning the filter removes debris and waste from the water and keeps the tank looking its best. We recommend cleaning the filter every two weeks.

To clean the filter, you will need the following:

• A sponge: A sponge is used to wipe down the inside of the filter. We recommend using an aquarium-safe sponge.
• A hose: A hose is used to rinse the filter media. We recommend using a flexible, aquarium-safe hose.
• Filter media: Filter media removes debris and waste from the water. We recommend using high-quality activated carbon or ceramic filter media.

The steps for cleaning the filter are as follows:

• Remove the filter from the tank and set it aside.
• Use the sponge to wipe down the inside of the filter.
• Rinse the filter media in a fresh, treated water bucket.
• Place the filter media back in the filter.
• Place the filter back in the tank.

Testing The Water

Testing the water is an integral part of Gold Gourami care. Testing the water ensures that the water is safe for fish and that the tank is functioning correctly. We recommend testing the water weekly.

To test the water, you will need the following:

• A test kit: A test kit measures the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in the water. We recommend using an aquarium-grade test kit.

The steps for testing the water are as follows:

• Fill a clean, clear glass with water from the tank.
• Test the water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
• If the levels are not within the safe range, take steps to correct the problem.
• Repeat steps 1-3 until the levels are within the safe range.

Gold Gourami Common Possible Diseases

There are a few diseases that are common in them. Some of these diseases can be deadly, so it is essential to be aware of them and take steps to prevent them.

The most common diseases are:

• Ich
• Fin rot
• Columnaris
• Hole In The Head 
• Erosion of the Lateral Line

Signs That Your Gold Gourami Is Sick

There are a few signs that you can look for that will indicate that your Gold Gourami is sick.

Some of these signs include:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• White spots on the body
• Red or blackened fins
• Red or blackened skin
• Holes in the head
• Erosion of the lateral line

If you see any of these signs, taking your Gold Gourami to the vet is essential as soon as possible.

Gold Gourami Preventing Diseases

There are a few things that you can do `to prevent diseases in them.

• The most important thing you can do is maintain a clean and well-maintained tank. A clean and well-maintained tank will help to prevent diseases.
• You should also test the water regularly and take steps to correct any problems that you find.
• Quarantining new fish before adding them to the tank is also good. Quarantining new fish will help to prevent diseases from spreading.

They are hardy fish and can usually withstand most diseases. However, it is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of common diseases so that you can take steps to prevent them.

Gold Gourami Treatment And Medications Of Diseases

A variety of medications can be used to treat diseases in them.

The most common medications are:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial diseases. Antibiotics can be added to the water, or they can be injected into the fish.
• Antifungals: Antifungals are used to treat fungal diseases. Antifungals can be added to the water, or they can be injected into the fish.
• Chemicals: Chemicals can be used to treat parasitic diseases. Chemicals can be added to the water, or they can be injected into the fish.
• Salt: Salt can be used to treat a variety of diseases. Salt can be added to the water, or it can be used in a salt bath.

It is essential to follow the directions on the medication carefully. Medications can be toxic to goldfish if they are not used correctly.

Gold Gourami Tank Mates

Gold Gouramis are slow-moving and best kept with other peaceful fish. They can be kept with other goldfish, but it is essential to provide plenty of hiding places and keep an eye on the fish in case of bullying. 

Some good tank mates for them include:

• Plecostomus
• Cherry Barbs
• Tiger Barbs
• Blue Tetras
• Mystery Snails

They can also be kept with other labyrinth fish, such as bettas and gouramis.

Fish To Avoid

Do not keep Gold Gouramis with fish known to be fin nippers. They will also compete with other fish for food, so avoid keeping them with slow-moving or timid fish. Some fish to avoid include:

• Danios
• Cichlids
• Angelfish
• Bala Sharks

How To Choose A Healthy Gold Gourami

When choosing Gold Gourami, it is essential to choose a healthy fish.

Some things to look for include the following:

• Bright eyes
• Clear fins
• Smooth skin
• Active Swimming
• Good appetite

If you are unsure whether or not a fish is healthy, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a different fish.

The Importance Of A Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential for several reasons.

A healthy diet will:

• Keep your goldfish healthy
• Help to prevent diseases
• Help to maintain a clean tank
• Help to keep the water quality high

A healthy diet is an integral part of their care. You can help ensure they stay healthy and happy by feeding them a healthy diet.

Advantages Of Having Gold Gourami In Your Tank

The first advantage is that the labyrinth fish will add variety and color to your tank. They come in various colors: gold, orange, red, and white.

The second advantage is that they are known to be hardy fish. This means that they can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.

Another advantage is that they are slow-moving fish. This means they are less likely to damage your tank’s plants.

Another advantage is that they are peaceful fish. This means that they will not bother other fish in your tank.

Finally, they are easy to care for. They do not require much special care and can be kept in various tanks.

Disadvantages Of Having Gold Gourami In Your Tank

The first disadvantage is that they are known to be messy eaters. This means they will often leave behind uneaten food, which can pollute the water in your tank.

The second disadvantage is that they are slow-moving fish. This means they may be unable to compete with other fish for food.

Another disadvantage is that they are known to be shy fish. They may not come out of hiding as often as other fish.

Finally, they are not the best choice for beginners. This is because they require more care than other fish on this list.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, keeping goldfish in your tank has both advantages and disadvantages. However, they can be a great addition to your tank if you put in the extra effort.

Goldfish care takes work, but seeing these beautiful fish swimming in your tank is well worth it.

I hope that this article has helped you to understand a bit more about goldfish care. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below. Thanks for reading!