Orange Thick Lipped Gourami – Your Guide To A Peaceful, Vibrant Tank

Written ByHoward Parker

Are you searching for that perfect splash of sunset orange to bring your community aquarium to life? A fish that’s not just beautiful, but also peaceful, curious, and wonderfully hardy? It can feel like a challenge to find a centerpiece fish that won’t bully its tank mates or require a degree in marine biology to keep alive.

This is where the magnificent orange thick lipped gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) enters the picture. This charming fish is a hidden gem in the aquarium hobby, offering a vibrant burst of color without the aggressive tendencies of some of its larger cousins. It’s the kind of fish that makes your tank feel complete, a gentle swimmer that explores every nook and cranny with a calm confidence.

Imagine a thriving, serene aquarium where a flash of brilliant orange glides peacefully between lush green plants. You can achieve this, and it’s easier than you think! Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for beginners!

In this complete orange thick lipped gourami guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know. We’ll cover the ideal tank setup, diet, compatible tank mates, and even some pro tips to ensure your gourami doesn’t just survive, but truly thrives. Let’s get started!

What Makes the Orange Thick Lipped Gourami So Special?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of care, let’s talk about the unique benefits of orange thick lipped gourami. It’s not just another pretty fish; its personality and hardiness make it a standout choice for many aquarists, from first-timers to seasoned veterans.

Stunning, Yet Understated, Beauty

The most obvious draw is their color. They boast a deep, warm orange that can range from a soft apricot to a fiery reddish-hue, especially in males. This color provides a stunning contrast against green aquatic plants and darker substrates.

Unlike some flashier fish, their beauty is natural and elegant. Their namesake “thick lips” give them a unique, slightly pouty look that adds to their charm. They typically grow to about 4 inches (10 cm), making them a substantial, but not oversized, presence in the tank.

A Peaceful and Curious Personality

One of the biggest selling points is their temperament. These gouramis are known for being incredibly peaceful and shy. They spend their days gracefully exploring the tank, using their long, thread-like ventral fins to “feel” their surroundings.

This calm demeanor makes them an ideal centerpiece for a community tank. You won’t have to worry about them terrorizing smaller fish. Instead, they add a sense of tranquility and purpose to the aquatic landscape.

Remarkably Hardy and Beginner-Friendly

Like other gouramis, the Thick Lipped Gourami has a labyrinth organ, which allows it to breathe atmospheric air from the surface. This evolutionary advantage makes them more tolerant of lower oxygen levels than many other fish, though you should always aim for a well-filtered, oxygenated tank.

Their adaptability to a range of water parameters and their unfussy diet make them a forgiving choice for those still learning the ropes of fishkeeping. This resilience is a huge plus, reducing stress for both the fish and its owner.

Your Complete Orange Thick Lipped Gourami Care Guide

Ready to set up the perfect home for your new friend? Following these orange thick lipped gourami best practices will ensure your fish feels safe, happy, and healthy from day one. This is the core of how to care for an orange thick lipped gourami successfully.

Tank Setup: Creating the Perfect Home

Creating the right environment is the single most important step. A well-planned aquarium will help your gourami feel secure, which in turn will bring out its best colors and most natural behaviors.

  • Tank Size: A minimum of a 20-gallon (75-liter) tank is highly recommended for a single or a pair. This gives them enough space to swim and establish a small territory without feeling cramped.
  • Substrate: Darker substrates like black sand or fine gravel work wonderfully. They not only mimic their natural habitat but also make your gourami’s orange colors pop beautifully.
  • Plants and Decor: This is crucial! Thick Lipped Gouramis are shy and need plenty of cover. Densely plant the tank with a mix of tall background plants (like Vallisneria or Hornwort) and mid-ground plants (like Java Fern or Anubias). Add driftwood and caves for extra hiding spots.
  • Floating Plants: Don’t forget floating plants like Frogbit or Red Root Floaters! They diffuse harsh lighting and provide cover at the surface, which is exactly where these labyrinth fish love to hang out.
  • Filtration: They prefer gentle water flow. A hang-on-back filter with an adjustable outflow or a gentle sponge filter is a perfect choice. Strong currents will stress them out.

Water Parameters: The Key to Health

While hardy, these gouramis thrive when water parameters are stable. Consistency is more important than chasing a “perfect” number. Get a good aquarium test kit to monitor your water.

  1. Temperature: Keep the water between 72-82°F (22-28°C). An aquarium heater is a must to maintain this tropical range consistently.
  2. pH Level: They are adaptable but prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, ideally in the 6.0 to 7.5 range.
  3. Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is best (5-15 dGH).
  4. Water Changes: Regular weekly water changes of 25% are essential to keep nitrates low and the water clean and healthy.

Feeding Your Gourami a Balanced Diet

Feeding time is one of the best parts of fishkeeping! Orange Thick Lipped Gouramis are omnivores and are not picky eaters. A varied diet is key to their health and vibrant coloration.

  • Staple Food: A high-quality tropical flake or micro-pellet should be the foundation of their diet.
  • Frozen & Live Foods: Supplement their diet 2-3 times a week with treats. They absolutely love frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. This helps trigger natural foraging behaviors.
  • Vegetable Matter: They will also appreciate blanched vegetables like zucchini or shelled peas, and they may occasionally nibble on algae in the tank.

Feed them small amounts once or twice a day, only giving what they can consume in about two minutes. This prevents overfeeding and keeps your tank water cleaner.

Choosing the Best Tank Mates

Building a peaceful community is the goal. Your gourami’s gentle nature means you need to choose tank mates that won’t bully it or outcompete it for food. Think calm, peaceful, and similar-sized fish.

Ideal Companions:

  • Bottom Dwellers: Corydoras catfish, Kuhli loaches, and Bristlenose Plecos are perfect. They occupy a different level of the tank and are incredibly peaceful.
  • Mid-Water Schooling Fish: Harlequin Rasboras, Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, and Rummy Nose Tetras are excellent choices. Their schooling behavior provides activity without being disruptive.
  • Other Peaceful Fish: Cherry Barbs and small, peaceful Rainbowfish can also make great tank mates.

Fish to Avoid:

  • Fin Nippers: Steer clear of fish like Tiger Barbs, which are notorious for nipping the long, delicate fins of gouramis.
  • Aggressive Fish: Most cichlids (like Convicts or Jack Dempseys) and other large, boisterous fish will terrorize your shy gourami.
  • Other Male Gouramis: Unless you have a very large (55 gallon+) and heavily planted tank, avoid keeping more than one male Thick Lipped Gourami. They can become territorial and aggressive toward each other.

Common Problems with Orange Thick Lipped Gourami (And How to Solve Them!)

Even with the best care, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here are some common problems with orange thick lipped gourami and simple solutions to get things back on track. These are essential orange thick lipped gourami tips every owner should know.

Problem: My Gourami is Always Hiding

This is the most common issue, especially when the fish is new. It’s almost always a sign of stress or insecurity.

Solution: Add more cover! More plants, more driftwood, and especially more floating plants will make them feel safe enough to come out and explore. Also, check for aggressive tank mates that might be bullying them into hiding.

Problem: My Gourami Looks Pale or Sick

Loss of color is a classic sign of stress or illness. Common diseases include Ich (white spots) and fin rot (tattered fins).

Solution: Prevention is the best medicine. Maintain pristine water quality with regular water changes and avoid drastic temperature swings. If a disease does appear, move the affected fish to a quarantine tank for treatment to avoid spreading it to others.

Problem: My “Peaceful” Gourami is Being Aggressive

While generally peaceful, males can show aggression, usually towards other male gouramis or fish with a similar body shape and color.

Solution: The easiest fix is to only keep one male per tank. If you have a male/female pair, ensure the tank is large enough (20-30 gallons+) with plenty of plants to break lines of sight. This allows the female to escape the male’s attention if needed.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gourami Keeping

Being a responsible aquarist goes beyond just keeping your fish alive. Embracing a sustainable orange thick lipped gourami approach ensures our hobby has a positive impact.

An eco-friendly orange thick lipped gourami setup is easy to achieve. Start by sourcing your fish from reputable, local fish stores or ethical breeders rather than large chain stores that may have questionable supply chains. This supports better breeding practices.

Never release any aquarium fish or plants into local waterways. They can become invasive species and devastate local ecosystems. If you can no longer care for your fish, return it to a local fish store or find another hobbyist to adopt it.

You can also reduce your tank’s environmental footprint by using energy-efficient LED lighting and properly sized heaters and filters. These small steps contribute to a healthier planet and a more rewarding hobby.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Thick Lipped Gourami

How big do orange thick lipped gouramis get?

They are a medium-sized gourami, typically reaching a maximum size of about 4 inches (10 cm) in a home aquarium. This makes them a perfect size for a 20-gallon tank or larger.

Are orange thick lipped gouramis aggressive?

No, they are considered one of the most peaceful gourami species. However, males can be territorial and aggressive towards other males or similarly-shaped fish. It’s best to keep a single male or a male/female pair in most community tanks.

Can I keep an orange thick lipped gourami in a 10-gallon tank?

While a single gourami might survive in a 10-gallon tank, it is not recommended for them to thrive. A 20-gallon tank provides much more stable water conditions and the swimming space they need to feel secure and exhibit natural behaviors.

How can you tell the difference between a male and female?

Males are typically more brightly colored, especially in their fins, which often have a vibrant orange or red hue with a blueish edge. They also have a more pointed dorsal fin. Females are usually a bit duller in color (more of a silvery-orange) and have a shorter, more rounded dorsal fin.

Your Journey with a Splash of Orange

The orange thick lipped gourami is truly a special fish. It offers that rare combination of stunning color, peaceful personality, and beginner-friendly hardiness that so many of us look for.

By providing a well-planted tank with stable water and peaceful companions, you’re not just creating an aquarium—you’re building a thriving ecosystem. You now have the complete orange thick lipped gourami care guide to do it with confidence.

So go ahead, add that splash of sunset orange to your tank. You’ll be rewarded with a graceful, curious, and beautiful companion that will bring you joy for years to come. Happy fishkeeping!

Howard Parker
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