Are Betta Fish A Type Of Gourami – The Labyrinth Fish Family Explained

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever stood in front of your aquarium, watching your stunning Betta fish glide through the water, and then noticed a Gourami in another tank and thought, “Wait a minute… they look kind of similar”? You’re not alone! It’s a question that bubbles up often in the fishkeeping community. Their body shapes, their deliberate movements, and especially the way they both visit the surface for a gulp of air can be strikingly alike.

If you’ve ever wondered about this connection, you’ve come to the right place. We promise to clear up the confusion for good. This comprehensive guide will definitively answer the question of are betta fish a type of gourami and, more importantly, explain what their family ties mean for their care, behavior, and life in your tank.

Get ready to dive deep into their shared family tree, uncover the secret behind their “superpower” breathing, and learn the critical differences that will make you a more confident and successful aquarist. Let’s unravel this aquatic mystery together!

The Short Answer: It’s All in the Family!

Let’s get straight to the point: No, Betta fish are not technically a type of Gourami. However, they are incredibly close relatives, which is why they share so many fascinating traits.

Think of it like this: lions and tigers are both members of the “big cat” family (Felidae), but a lion is not a type of tiger. It’s the exact same situation with our aquatic friends. Both Bettas and Gouramis belong to the same scientific family: Osphronemidae.

This family is a large and diverse group, and many of its members are commonly referred to as “gouramis.” So, while your Betta isn’t a Gourami, you could say it’s a very, very close cousin. They share a branch on the same family tree, which explains their similar appearance and behaviors.

The Labyrinth Organ: Their Shared Superpower

The single most important trait that links Bettas and Gouramis is a truly remarkable piece of biological engineering: the labyrinth organ.

This special organ, located near their gills, functions much like a primitive lung. It’s a maze-like structure of tissues filled with blood vessels, allowing these fish to breathe atmospheric air directly from the surface. This is their superpower!

This adaptation allows them to thrive in their native habitats in Southeast Asia—waters that are often warm, slow-moving, and low in dissolved oxygen, like rice paddies and shallow streams. For many other fish, these conditions would be deadly.

So, when you see your Betta or Gourami swim to the top of the tank for a quick gulp of air, don’t worry! This is perfectly normal and healthy behavior. They are simply using their built-in scuba gear. This is one of the most important are betta fish a type of gourami tips to remember; that trip to the surface is a sign of a healthy, natural instinct.

Pro Tip: Because they need to breathe from the surface, always ensure there’s a gap between the water line and your aquarium lid. Avoid covering the entire surface with floating plants, as this can block their access to the air they need.

So, Are Betta Fish a Type of Gourami? Unpacking the Key Differences

Understanding that Bettas and Gouramis are cousins, not twins, is the foundation of our are betta fish a type of gourami guide. Knowing their differences is crucial for providing the best care and maintaining a peaceful aquarium. While they share a family, their day-to-day needs and personalities can be worlds apart.

Temperament and Aggression

This is perhaps the most significant difference. Male Bettas (Betta splendens) are famously territorial and aggressive, earning them the name “Siamese Fighting Fish.” They will fight viciously with other male Bettas and can harass or attack other brightly colored, long-finned fish they mistake for rivals.

Gouramis, on the other hand, have a much wider range of temperaments depending on the species:

  • Peaceful & Shy: Honey Gouramis and Sparkling Gouramis are known for being gentle and are great for community tanks.
  • Peaceful Giants: Pearl Gouramis are larger but are typically very placid and elegant swimmers.
  • Semi-Aggressive: Dwarf Gouramis can be peaceful, but males can become territorial with each other or similar-looking fish.
  • The Bullies: Three-Spot Gouramis (including Blue, Gold, and Opaline varieties) and Kissing Gouramis can become quite aggressive and are known to bully smaller, more timid tank mates.

Size and Tank Requirements

Their adult size dictates their housing needs, and this is another area where they diverge significantly. Following the right are betta fish a type of gourami care guide means giving them the space they need.

A single Betta fish can live happily and healthily in a 5-gallon tank, with 10 gallons being even better. They don’t need a huge amount of space to thrive.

Gouramis require more room. Even the small Dwarf Gourami needs a minimum of a 10-gallon tank, with 20 gallons being a much safer recommendation. Larger species like Pearl Gouramis need at least 30 gallons, and the big Kissing Gourami requires 50 gallons or more. Always research the specific species you’re interested in!

Social Needs

How they interact with their own kind is a night-and-day difference. Male Bettas are solitary creatures and must be housed alone. Keeping two males together will almost certainly result in injury or death for one of them.

Many Gourami species, however, are more social. While some can be kept singly, many do well in male-female pairs or in small groups, provided the tank is large enough to give them personal space. This social dynamic is completely different from the lone-wolf lifestyle of a male Betta.

The Million-Dollar Question: Can Bettas and Gouramis Be Tank Mates?

This is where understanding their relationship becomes truly practical. Given their family ties and similar needs, can they live together? The answer is a very cautious: maybe. It is one of the most common problems with are betta fish a type of gourami pairings.

Successfully housing a Betta with a Gourami is like a chess match—it requires strategy, the right pieces, and a bit of luck. It should only be attempted by aquarists who are prepared to monitor the tank closely and have a backup plan.

Here are the are betta fish a type of gourami best practices for attempting this pairing:

  1. Go Big on Tank Size: Do not even attempt this in a tank smaller than 20 gallons, with 30+ gallons being much better. More space reduces territorial disputes by allowing them to establish their own zones.
  2. Create a Dense Environment: A heavily planted tank is your best friend. Use tall plants (real or silk) and driftwood to break up lines of sight. If they can’t see each other all the time, they are less likely to fight.
  3. Choose Your Gourami Wisely: Your choice of Gourami is the most critical factor.
    • Best Bets: Honey Gouramis, Pearl Gouramis, or Sparkling Gouramis are your safest options due to their peaceful nature.
    • Use Caution: Dwarf Gouramis can work, but watch for territorial behavior from the male.
    • Avoid at All Costs: Never house a Betta with a Three-Spot Gourami (or its color morphs) or a Kissing Gourami. Their size and aggressive tendencies are a recipe for disaster.
  4. Consider the Betta’s Personality: Every Betta is different. A Betta with shorter fins (like a Plakat) and a more mellow personality will have a better chance of success than a long-finned, hyper-aggressive one.
  5. Have a Backup Plan: This is non-negotiable. You MUST have a separate, cycled tank (even a 5-gallon) ready to go. If you see signs of aggression like chasing, nipped fins, or hiding, you need to separate them immediately for their safety.

An Eco-Friendly Approach to Labyrinth Fish Care

Part of being a responsible aquarist is making choices that are good for our fish and the planet. Adopting a sustainable and eco-friendly are betta fish a type of gourami care routine is easier than you think and offers huge benefits.

First, always try to purchase captive-bred fish. This reduces the pressure on wild populations and their delicate ecosystems in Southeast Asia. Captive-bred fish are also hardier and more accustomed to aquarium life.

Second, embrace the power of a planted tank. Creating a naturalistic, heavily planted environment is not just beautiful; it’s a small ecosystem. Live plants help process fish waste, oxygenate the water, and provide security for your fish, reducing stress. A well-balanced planted tank often requires fewer water changes, saving water and creating a more stable home for your labyrinth fish.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Betta and Gourami Family

Do bettas and gouramis eat the same food?

Yes, for the most part! Both are omnivores that lean carnivorous. A high-quality floating pellet designed for Bettas makes an excellent staple for both. You can supplement their diet with treats like frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms a few times a week to ensure they get a variety of nutrients.

Why is my gourami chasing my betta (or vice versa)?

This is classic territorial aggression. Because both species tend to occupy the top and middle levels of the aquarium and both come to the surface to breathe, they can view each other as direct competition for space and resources. This is a major red flag and a sign that the pairing is not working and they need to be separated.

Can a female betta live with a gourami?

A female Betta generally has a higher chance of success living with a peaceful Gourami species than a male does. Females are typically smaller, have shorter fins, and are less aggressive. However, all the same rules apply: a large, heavily planted tank and constant monitoring are essential for success.

What are other types of labyrinth fish?

The Osphronemidae family is full of fascinating fish! Besides Bettas and Gouramis, another popular member is the Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis). They are beautiful but, like Bettas, can be quite aggressive. There are also smaller, more obscure species like Croaking Gouramis that are a delight for experienced hobbyists.

Your Journey with Labyrinth Fish

So, are Betta fish a type of Gourami? No, but they are charter members of the same amazing family club, linked by their shared ancestry and their incredible labyrinth organ.

Understanding this relationship—their similarities and their stark differences—is what elevates you from a fish keeper to a true fish enthusiast. It empowers you to create the best possible environment for them, to make wise choices about their tank mates, and to appreciate their unique behaviors on a deeper level.

The next time you see your Betta or Gourami rise to the surface for that familiar gulp of air, you’ll see more than just a fish. You’ll see a living marvel of evolution, a proud member of the labyrinth fish family. Now go forth and enjoy your beautiful aquarium!

Howard Parker
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