Gouramis: Cool Water Requirements

Gouramis are a group of freshwater perciform fishes that are native to Asia. They are not cold-water fish and need temperatures of at least 24°C (75°F). In the wild, they are found in slow-moving rivers, swamps, marshes, canals, wetlands and temporary pools. While they can survive in waters with lower temperatures for short periods, they are tropical fish that prefer warm water and should be kept in temperatures between 75°F (23°C) and 80°F (27°C).

Gouramis are tropical fish and need warm water

Gouramis are not cold-water fish and cannot survive in cold water. They need water temperatures of at least 24°C (75°F). If the room temperature is below 75°F, an aquarium heater is required to maintain the correct temperature.

Dwarf gouramis, in particular, are tropical fish that prefer warm water and should never be kept in unheated aquariums or outdoors. They do best in waters where the temperature is below 85°F (29°C) and should be kept with other tropical fish, with a water temperature between 75°F (23°C) and 80°F (27°C).

Gouramis have a labyrinth organ that acts like a lung, allowing them to breathe air at the surface. This adaptation enables them to live in shallow, stagnant, oxygen-poor water. They are also surface-oriented, so having tall plants or floating plants at the surface helps them feel more at home and reduces stress.

Gouramis are sensitive to water conditions, and the pH level of the water should be between 6.8 and 7.8, with alkalinity between 3° and 8° dkH (50 ppm to 140 ppm). It is important to maintain good filtration and regularly change a portion of the water, treating it with a water conditioner before refilling the tank.

They can survive in temperatures as low as 65°F for short periods

Gouramis are a group of freshwater perciform fishes that comprise the family Osphronemidae. They are native to Asia, from Pakistan and India to the Malay Archipelago and north-easterly towards Korea.

Gouramis are tropical fish that require warm water. They are not cold-water fish. They need temperatures of at least 75°F (24°C) and can survive in temperatures as low as 65°F for short periods. However, they should never be kept in unheated aquariums or outdoors.

Gouramis have a labyrinth organ that acts like a lung, allowing them to breathe air at the surface. This adaptation enables them to live in shallow, stagnant, oxygen-poor water. In nature, they are found in slow-moving rivers, swamps, marshes, canals, wetlands, and temporary pools.

The water temperature for gouramis should remain between 75°F and 80°F. If the aquarium is kept in a room below 75°F, an aquarium heater is necessary to maintain the correct temperature. It is important to gradually increase the temperature to their preferred range. Maintaining good filtration and regularly changing a portion of the water is also crucial for gourami care.

While gouramis can tolerate lower temperatures for short periods, they are not suited for cold water environments. Keeping them in unheated tanks or exposing them to cold temperatures for extended periods can compromise their immune system, slow their metabolism, and make them susceptible to diseases and parasites such as ich. Therefore, it is essential to provide the recommended water temperature range for their well-being.

They are native to Asia, from Pakistan to Korea

Gouramis are a group of freshwater anabantiform fish that are native to Asia, from the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia and northeasterly towards Korea. They are found in a range of habitats, including slow-moving rivers, swamps, marshes, canals, wetlands and temporary pools.

The fish are known for their colourful markings and relative intelligence, making them a popular choice for aquariums. They are also sought after for their ability to recognise their owners and display extensive paternal care, with males protecting eggs until they hatch.

Gouramis are native to a wide geographical area across Asia, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Korea and Japan. They can be found in a variety of habitats and are known to inhabit densely vegetated, slow-moving waters.

In particular, the dwarf gourami is native to river plains in northeastern India, Assam and Bangladesh. The red lily gourami is distributed through Pakistan, northern India and Bangladesh, with apparent occurrences in Nepal and Myanmar. The cobalt gourami and honey gourami are found in swamps and slow-moving waterways throughout India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The banded gourami inhabits similar environments in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Gouramis are an interesting species of fish that have adapted to survive in shallow, stagnant, oxygen-poor waters. They possess a labyrinth organ that enables them to breathe air at the surface, allowing them to live in a diverse range of aquatic environments across Asia.

Gouramis are slow-moving and should be kept with similar-sized fish

Gouramis are labyrinth fish with a lung-like labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air at the surface. This adaptation enables them to live in shallow, stagnant, oxygen-poor water. In the wild, they are commonly found in soft, acidic water, but commercial aquarium species are typically raised in water with a higher pH and alkalinity.

The ideal water temperature for gouramis depends on the specific species. Some sources recommend temperatures between 72°F and 82°F (22°C-27°C), while others suggest a range of 75°F to 80°F (24°C-27°C). It is important to maintain consistent water temperatures to prevent gouramis from becoming stressed or sick, as sudden changes can damage their labyrinth organ.

When setting up an aquarium for gouramis, it is important to provide tall or floating plants, as they are surface-oriented and will feel more comfortable with plants at the surface. They also require a secure lid on the aquarium to prevent them from jumping out.

Gouramis are generally peaceful and compatible with most similar-sized, peaceful species. However, male gouramis can be aggressive towards each other, so they are typically kept individually or with more females than males to prevent conflict. It is important to provide ample hiding spots and a spacious tank to reduce aggressive behaviour.

They are omnivorous and will eat tropical flakes, pellets, and frozen treats

Gouramis are tropical freshwater fish that are native to Asia, from Pakistan to Japan. They are typically found in slow-moving rivers, swamps, marshes, canals, wetlands, and temporary pools. In the wild, they are often found in soft, acidic water, but those sold for aquariums are usually raised in water with a higher pH and alkalinity.

Gouramis are omnivores and will eat a variety of commercial fish foods, such as:

• Tropical flakes
• Tropical granules
• Shrimp pellets
• Spirulina flakes
• Algae rounds
• Color flakes

Gourami owners can also supplement their fish's diet with frozen and live foods, such as bloodworms, and vegetables like zucchini and lettuce. It is recommended to rotate their diet daily and feed them only what they can consume in under two minutes, once or twice a day.

It is important to note that gouramis are not cold-water fish and require temperatures of at least 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit). Keeping them in unheated tanks can compromise their immune system, slow their metabolism, and invite diseases and parasites.

Frequently asked questions