Thick-Lipped Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) Care Guide
A less common but equally beautiful alternative to the Dwarf Gourami, with a warm orange-gold coloration and distinctive thick lips.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Trichogaster labiosa is a species in the family Osphronemidae. A less common but equally beautiful alternative to the Dwarf Gourami, with a warm orange-gold coloration and distinctive thick lips. Hardier and less prone to Dwarf Gourami Disease, making it a more reliable choice for community tanks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Trichogaster
- Scientific name: Trichogaster labiosa
- Other names: Sunset Gourami
- Origin: Southeast Asia, Myanmar
Habitat
Native to Myanmar, with introduced populations elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Inhabits slow and standing waters such as lowland rivers, ponds and inundated fields with dense vegetation. A labyrinth fish that builds a floating bubble nest for spawning.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 4-15 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Adult size: 7-10 cm
- Lifespan: 4-7 years
- Difficulty: beginner
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: top
- Compatible tank mates: Corydoras, Neon Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora, Cherry Barb
- Avoid with: Betta, Other Gouramis, Tiger Barb
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: bubble-nester
- Breeding difficulty: intermediate
Thick-Lipped Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) Breeding Guide
Overview
Trichogaster labiosa is known only from southern Myanmar and reaches about 10 cm standard length. It is a bubble nester best kept around 22-27 °C and pH 6.0-7.5, and is a labyrinth fish, so the fry need access to a layer of warm humid air.
Sexing
The male is the larger, more colourful sex, and mature specimens develop slightly pointed dorsal and anal fins.
Conditioning
Keep the sexes apart in the few weeks leading up to a spawning attempt and feed them with plenty of live and frozen foods during this period to bring them into condition.
Breeding Setup
Use a dedicated spawning tank with shallow water, no more than 15-20 cm deep, including abundant floating plants and fine-leaved vegetation as cover for the female. Minimise water movement, using only a gentle air-powered sponge filter or none, and fit the tightest cover available so the fry have access to warm humid air.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The male builds a bubble nest, and spawning occurs under the nest in the typical anabantoid embrace, the male wrapping his body around his mate. Between 500 and 1000 eggs are produced per spawn.
Egg & Fry Care
The male guards and tends the nest until the eggs hatch in 24-36 hours, then continues to attend them until the fry are free-swimming after a further 2-3 days. Offer infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week, after which the fry are large enough to accept brine shrimp nauplii, microworm and powdered flake.
Common Challenges
Maintaining the warm, humid air layer above the water with a tight cover is essential for fry survival, and water movement must stay minimal so the nest is not destroyed. Removing the female once spawning is finished avoids harassment by the guarding male.