Red Thick Lipped Gourami: Your Guide To A Peaceful, Radiant

Written ByHoward Parker

Are you looking for a splash of brilliant color in your community aquarium, but worried about the aggression that sometimes comes with it? Do you want a centerpiece fish that’s both stunning and surprisingly easy to care for?

You’re in the right place. Many aquarists overlook one of the hobby’s most charming jewels in favor of more common fish. But if you want personality, peace, and a pop of vibrant red, allow me to introduce you to your new favorite fish.

Imagine a beautifully planted tank with a serene, confident fish gliding through the leaves, its deep orange-red body catching the light. This is the reality of keeping a thriving red thick lipped gourami. It’s an achievable dream, even for beginners.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the perfect tank setup, diet, ideal tank mates, and more. Let’s unlock the secrets to helping this incredible fish flourish in your home aquarium.

What Makes the Red Thick Lipped Gourami So Special?

The Red Thick Lipped Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) is a true gem from the slow-moving waters of South Asia. It’s a member of the Osphronemidae family, which means it has a fascinating secret weapon: the labyrinth organ.

This special organ allows them to breathe atmospheric air directly from the surface! You’ll often see them darting up for a quick gulp, which is a completely normal and captivating behavior to watch.

One of the key benefits of red thick lipped gourami keeping is their temperament. Unlike some of their larger, more boisterous cousins like the Blue or Opaline Gourami, the Thick Lipped variety is famously peaceful and a bit shy. They bring all the classic gourami charm without the drama.

Appearance and Distinguishing Features

The star of the show is their color. Males develop a breathtaking, deep rusty-orange or crimson red, especially when they are happy and ready to breed. Their dorsal and anal fins are often tipped with a shimmering, iridescent blue or turquoise—a truly spectacular sight.

Females are typically more subdued, with a silvery-tan or light brown coloration. Both sexes have the characteristic gourami “feeler” fins, which are modified pelvic fins they use to navigate and interact with their environment.

Pro Tip: Don’t confuse them with the Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna). While similar, the Red Thick Lipped Gourami is slightly larger (growing up to 4 inches) and has a distinctly thicker lip structure, especially on mature males.

The Perfect Aquarium Setup: A Red Thick Lipped Gourami Guide

Creating the right environment is the most important step in fishkeeping. Get this right, and you’re 90% of the way there. Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for beginners and aren’t overly demanding!

Tank Size and Lid

A 20-gallon tank is the ideal minimum size for a single or a pair of Red Thick Lipped Gouramis. This gives them enough space to establish a territory and explore without feeling cramped.

A larger tank, like a 29 or 30-gallon, is even better, especially if you plan on a bustling community setup. More water volume means more stable water parameters, which is always a plus.

Crucial Tip: Always use a secure lid! Like all labyrinth fish, they can be jumpers, especially when startled. A lid also helps maintain a layer of warm, humid air at the surface, which is important for the health of their labyrinth organ.

Water Parameters

These fish are quite hardy, which is great news for newcomers. They thrive in conditions that are easy to maintain in most home aquariums.

  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C) is their sweet spot.
  • pH: A slightly acidic to neutral range of 6.0 to 7.5 is perfect.
  • Hardness: They are adaptable but prefer softer water (5-15 dGH).
  • Filtration: A gentle flow is key. They come from slow-moving waters and get stressed by strong currents. A hang-on-back filter with an adjustable outflow or a gentle sponge filter works wonderfully.

Aquascaping Your Gourami’s Home

This is where you can really have fun and create a habitat your gourami will love. The secret is dense planting and plenty of cover.

Think floating plants like Frogbit or Red Root Floaters. These diffuse the overhead light and make your gourami feel safe and secure, which encourages them to be out and about more often. Broad-leafed plants like Amazon Swords and Anubias provide excellent resting spots.

Incorporate driftwood and smooth rocks to create caves and hiding places. A dark substrate will help reduce glare and make their stunning red colors pop even more. This setup mimics their natural habitat and is one of the most important red thick lipped gourami best practices.

Feeding Your Gourami: Diet and Nutrition Tips

In the wild, Red Thick Lipped Gouramis are omnivores, feasting on small insects, larvae, and plant matter. Replicating this varied diet is the key to their health and vibrancy.

A high-quality flake or small pellet food should be their staple. Look for one with both protein and vegetable ingredients.

To truly see them thrive, supplement their diet 2-3 times a week with a mix of:

  • Frozen Foods: Brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms are excellent treats they will eagerly devour.
  • Live Foods: If you can source them, live daphnia or baby brine shrimp will trigger their natural hunting instincts.
  • Vegetables: Blanched zucchini or shelled peas are a great source of fiber.

Feed them small amounts once or twice a day—only what they can consume in about two minutes. A varied diet isn’t just a treat; it’s one of the best red thick lipped gourami tips for boosting their immune system and enhancing that incredible red coloration.

Peaceful Coexistence: Ideal Tank Mates

Choosing the right neighbors is critical for a peaceful community tank. Due to their gentle nature, Red Thick Lipped Gouramis should never be housed with aggressive or boisterous fish.

Best Tank Mates

Look for other peaceful, similarly-sized fish that enjoy the same water conditions. Excellent choices include:

  • Small Tetras (Neons, Cardinals, Rummy Nose)
  • Rasboras (Harlequin, Chili)
  • Corydoras Catfish
  • Kuhli Loaches
  • Peaceful Barbs (Cherry Barbs are a fantastic choice)
  • Otocinclus Catfish

Fish to Avoid

Steer clear of known fin-nippers or aggressive species. Bad tank mates include:

  • Tiger Barbs
  • Most Cichlids (except for very peaceful dwarf varieties like Rams, with caution)
  • Other large or aggressive Gouramis (like Blue or Kissing Gouramis)
  • Betta Fish (especially males, as they can see each other as rivals)

Your Complete Red Thick Lipped Gourami Care Guide: Health and Wellness

These are robust fish, but like any living creature, they can face health issues. The good news is that with a proper setup and diet, most problems are entirely preventable.

Recognizing a Healthy Fish

A healthy gourami will be active (but not frantic), have vibrant colors, and show a good appetite. Their fins should be intact and they should be exploring their environment, using their feeler fins to investigate.

Common Problems with Red Thick Lipped Gourami

The most frequent issues are related to water quality and stress. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Ich (White Spot Disease): Looks like tiny salt grains sprinkled on the fish’s body and fins. It’s often caused by stress from poor water quality or temperature fluctuations. Treat with aquarium salt and increased temperature, or commercial medications.
  • Fin Rot: Fins appear ragged, torn, or milky at the edges. This is a bacterial infection, usually stemming from poor water conditions. The first step is always a large water change.
  • Bloat: A swollen abdomen can be a sign of constipation or a more serious internal infection. Try feeding a blanched pea. If it doesn’t resolve, it may be Dropsy, which is unfortunately difficult to treat.

The number one rule for preventing disease is to keep their water clean. Regular weekly water changes of 25-30% are non-negotiable. A stable, clean environment is the best medicine you can provide.

Breeding and Sustainability: An Eco-Friendly Approach

Witnessing your fish breed is one of the most rewarding experiences in the hobby. Red Thick Lipped Gouramis are bubble nesters, a fascinating reproductive strategy.

The male will build an intricate nest of bubbles at the water’s surface, often incorporating bits of floating plants. He will then court the female, and after spawning, he guards the nest fiercely until the eggs hatch.

When you purchase your fish, choosing a reputable source is a key part of being a responsible aquarist. Supporting breeders who prioritize the health and genetics of their fish contributes to a more sustainable red thick lipped gourami population in the hobby. An eco-friendly red thick lipped gourami is one that comes from a healthy, well-cared-for environment, not a mass-production facility. Ask your local fish store about their suppliers!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Red Thick Lipped Gourami

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

It’s quite easy once they mature. Males are the brightly colored ones, displaying a deep orange-red. Females are much plainer, with a silver-beige or brownish hue. Males also have a more pointed dorsal fin, while the female’s is shorter and more rounded.

Are Red Thick Lipped Gouramis shy?

Yes, they can be, especially when first introduced to a tank. This is why a densely planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots is so important. Once they feel secure, their confidence will grow, and you’ll see them out and about much more often.

Can I keep more than one Red Thick Lipped Gourami?

You can! A single male, a male/female pair, or a group of all females works well. Avoid keeping multiple males in a smaller tank (under 40 gallons), as they can become territorial with each other, though their “fights” are usually just harmless displaying.

Why is my gourami hiding all the time?

This is almost always a sign of stress. The most common causes are: a tank that is too bare with no hiding spots, overly bright lighting, strong water flow from the filter, or aggressive tank mates. Review your setup and tank mates to identify and fix the issue.

What’s that ‘clicking’ sound my gourami makes?

If you listen closely, you might hear your gourami making a soft clicking or croaking sound! This is a unique trait of many gourami species. They produce this sound using specialized pectoral fin tendons, often during courtship displays or territorial disputes. It’s a completely normal and fascinating behavior!

Your Journey with a Radiant Gem

The Red Thick Lipped Gourami is more than just a pretty fish. It’s a peaceful, engaging, and hardy addition that brings a unique charm to any well-maintained aquarium. Their gentle nature and stunning colors make them an ideal centerpiece for aquarists who value serenity over chaos.

By providing a well-planted home, a varied diet, and peaceful companions, you’re not just keeping a fish—you’re creating a thriving ecosystem where this beautiful creature can truly shine.

Now you have the knowledge and the expert tips to succeed. Go ahead and give this underrated gem a try. You’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, peaceful aquarium that brings you joy for years to come. Happy fishkeeping!

Howard Parker
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