Overview
TemperamentPeaceful
Social modelGroup
Minimum group size4
Adult size3.8–5.5 cm
Primary swimming zoneUpper
DietOmnivore
Care
Minimum aquarium volume54–60 L (allowed 40–80 L)
Suitable aquarium proportionsStandard, Long
Water temperature24–27 °C (allowed 22–28 °C)
pH6–7.5 (allowed 6–8)
General hardness4–15 °dGH (allowed 2–19 °dGH)
Oxygen demandOrdinary
FeedingThe honey gourami is omnivorous; in nature, it feeds on insects, their larvae, and small plankton, and can also knock insects off overhanging leaves by squirting water. In the aquarium, it accepts high-quality dry foods (flakes, small pellets), supplemented regularly with small live and frozen foods (daphnia, artemia, bloodworms). The food should be fine-grained, as the fish has a small mouth; preferred are foods that float and slowly sink, as the fish stays in the upper/mid layer. Feed small portions several times a day.
Compatibility
CompatibilityHoney gouramis are very peaceful, shy, and slow-moving fish of the upper/mid water layer. They coexist well with other small, calm species (small barbs, tetras, danios, corydoras, otocinclus), but should not be kept with active, large, or aggressive fish and fin-nippers (e.g., danios), which may scare them and deprive them of food. Groups of 4–6+ individuals form a hierarchy; in small aquariums, it is better to keep one male with one or two females. Avoid visually similar conflicting species (lalius, other gourami males, bettas).
Plant safetySafe
Plant-eating behaviourThe species is omnivorous with a predominance of animal food: in nature, it feeds on insects, their larvae, and small plankton, and it generally does not damage live plants, making it suitable for densely planted aquariums.
Interaction with invertebratesAdult honey gouramis are generally compatible with adult shrimp and snails if provided with hiding places, but they may prey on juvenile shrimp and small invertebrates; in nature, they feed on small invertebrates.
Incompatible groupsLarge, active, or territorially aggressive species capable of intimidating slow gouramis, stealing their food, or biting their filamentous ventral fins; very small invertebrates and fry, which gouramis may prey upon, are also undesirable.
