Thick Lipped Gourami Vs Honey Gourami: Decoding Temperament, Size

Written ByHoward Parker

You’re standing in front of the gourami tank at your local fish store, and two beautiful, similar-looking fish catch your eye. One has a subtle, warm glow, while the other boasts bolder colors and slightly more prominent lips. You’re trying to decide between them, but the labels are confusing, and you want to make the absolute best choice for your aquarium.

I’ve been there, and I know that feeling well. Choosing the right centerpiece fish can feel like a huge decision, and the last thing you want is to bring home a fish that isn’t a good fit for your tank’s size or its other inhabitants.

Don’t worry—I promise this guide will clear up all the confusion. We’re about to dive deep into the thick lipped gourami vs honey gourami debate. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly which of these charming anabantoids (labyrinth fish that can breathe air!) is the perfect new friend for your aquatic world.

We’ll break down their differences in size, temperament, tank requirements, and even their unique personalities. Let’s find your perfect gourami!

At a Glance: A Quick Comparison Chart

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s start with a quick-reference chart. This is your cheat sheet for understanding the core differences at a glance.

  • Feature: Thick Lipped Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa)
  • Adult Size: 3.5 – 4 inches (9-10 cm)
  • Temperament: Generally peaceful, but males can be territorial with each other.
  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters)
  • Lifespan: 4-6 years
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Best For: Community tanks with slightly larger, peaceful fish. A great “centerpiece” fish.
  • Feature: Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna)
  • Adult Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
  • Temperament: Extremely peaceful and sometimes shy.
  • Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters)
  • Lifespan: 3-5 years
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Best For: Nano tanks, peaceful small community tanks, and beginners.

Meet the Contenders: A Deeper Dive into Each Species

Now that you have the basic stats, let’s get to know these fish on a more personal level. Understanding their natural history and personality is one of the best thick lipped gourami vs honey gourami tips I can offer.

The Charming and Confident Thick Lipped Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa)

Hailing from the slow-moving waters of Myanmar and India, the Thick Lipped Gourami is a wonderfully curious and engaging fish. Its name, labiosa, literally means “lipped,” and you can see why! They have slightly fuller lips than their cousins, which gives them a unique and endearing look.

In their natural coloration, males display a beautiful rusty-orange body with a striking turquoise-blue dorsal fin, especially when they’re ready to breed. You’ll also commonly find the “Powder Blue” color morph, which is a man-made variant.

What I love about them is their personality. They are often more outgoing than Honeys, actively exploring their tank and interacting with their environment. They use their long, thread-like ventral fins to “feel” their way around, which is fascinating to watch.

The Gentle and Golden Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna)

The Honey Gourami is a true gem from the rivers and lakes of India and Bangladesh. It’s one of the most peaceful and well-behaved gouramis you can find, making it an absolute favorite for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike.

They are smaller and more slender than the Thick Lipped. While females and non-breeding males are a silvery-gold, a breeding male is a sight to behold! He develops a breathtaking deep honey-orange body with a jet-black throat and belly, contrasted by a bright yellow trim on his dorsal fin.

Honeys tend to be a bit shyer. They appreciate a heavily planted tank where they can feel secure. But once they settle in, their gentle nature makes them a calming and beautiful addition to any peaceful community.

The Ultimate Thick Lipped Gourami vs Honey Gourami Showdown

Okay, let’s put them head-to-head. This is the core of our thick lipped gourami vs honey gourami guide, where we compare the key factors that will influence your decision.

Size and Presence: Who Needs More Space?

This is arguably the biggest deciding factor. The Thick Lipped Gourami gets almost twice as large as the Honey Gourami, reaching up to 4 inches.

This larger size means they have a much more commanding presence in the aquarium. They are a true centerpiece fish for a 20-gallon tank or larger. Their size also means they produce more waste, so a robust filtration system is important.

The Honey Gourami, at a dainty 2 inches, is perfect for smaller setups. They can thrive in a 10-gallon tank, making them one of the best centerpiece options for the nano aquarium world. Their small size and bioload make them an easy fish to accommodate.

Temperament and Tank Mates: Who Plays Nicer?

When it comes to temperament, there’s a clear distinction. The Honey Gourami is the undisputed champion of peace. They are incredibly gentle and get along with almost any other small, peaceful fish. Think neon tetras, corydoras catfish, harlequin rasboras, and even shrimp.

The Thick Lipped Gourami is also considered peaceful, but with a small catch. Males can be territorial and aggressive towards other male Thick Lips or fish with a similar body shape and color (like Dwarf Gouramis). It’s best to keep a single male, or a male-female pair, to avoid any drama.

Pro Tip: For a successful Thick Lipped Gourami tank, choose tank mates that are peaceful but not overly timid and that occupy different levels of the water column. Avoid other labyrinth fish to prevent territorial disputes.

Color and Appearance: Subtle Beauty vs. Bold Hues

Both fish are beautiful, but in different ways. The Honey Gourami’s beauty is in its warm, golden glow. The transformation of a breeding male is truly spectacular, but even in their standard colors, they add a peaceful, sunny vibe to the tank.

The Thick Lipped Gourami offers a bolder palette. The contrast of the orange body and blue fin on the wild type is stunning. They have a more “classic” gourami look that many aquarists love. Your choice here really comes down to personal aesthetic preference.

Creating the Perfect Home: A Thick Lipped vs Honey Gourami Care Guide

Whichever you choose, providing the right environment is key to their health and happiness. Luckily, their care requirements are quite similar. Following these thick lipped gourami vs honey gourami best practices will ensure they thrive.

Tank Size and Water Parameters

As we discussed, tank size is crucial. Stick to these minimums for a happy fish:

  1. Honey Gourami: 10-gallon minimum for a single or a pair.
  2. Thick Lipped Gourami: 20-gallon minimum for a single or a pair.

Both species prefer warm, slightly acidic to neutral water with low flow, mimicking their natural habitats.

  • Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5
  • Hardness: 4-15 dGH

Stable water parameters are more important than hitting an exact number. Regular water changes and a reliable heater are non-negotiable.

Aquascaping for Gourami Happiness

Here’s a secret to happy gouramis: plants, plants, and more plants! Both species come from densely vegetated waters and feel much more secure in a well-planted tank.

Floating plants like Frogbit or Red Root Floaters are especially beneficial. Gouramis love to hang out near the surface, and the cover from these plants makes them feel safe. They also use plants to anchor their bubble nests during breeding.

Include driftwood and other decorations to create hiding spots and break up lines of sight. This is particularly important for Thick Lipped Gouramis to help reduce any potential territorial behavior.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Even with the best care, you can run into issues. Being aware of the common problems with thick lipped gourami vs honey gourami can help you prevent them.

Watching Out for Gourami Iridovirus

Dwarf Gourami Disease (Iridovirus) is a serious concern for many gourami species. While it most famously affects Dwarf Gouramis (Trichogaster lalius), other related species, including Thick Lipped Gouramis, can be susceptible.

The best prevention is to buy your fish from a reputable source with healthy-looking stock. Always quarantine new fish for 4-6 weeks before adding them to your main tank. This gives you time to observe them for any signs of illness.

Addressing Shyness and Aggression

A common issue with Honey Gouramis is shyness. If your Honey is always hiding, it likely feels insecure. The solution? Add more plants, especially floating ones, and consider adding a school of small, peaceful “dither fish” like chili rasboras. Seeing other fish out and about tells the gourami that it’s safe to explore.

For Thick Lipped Gouramis, the main behavioral issue is male-on-male aggression. The solution is simple: don’t keep more than one male in a tank unless it’s very large (55+ gallons) and heavily decorated to break up sightlines.

The Eco-Friendly Choice: Sustainable Gourami Keeping

Part of being a great aquarist is being a responsible one. When considering a sustainable thick lipped gourami vs honey gourami, the best choice is always captive-bred fish.

The vast majority of both species available in the hobby are commercially bred. This reduces pressure on wild populations and ensures you get a healthier fish that is already accustomed to aquarium life. Supporting local breeders or stores that source captive-bred fish is a fantastic, eco-friendly thick lipped gourami vs honey gourami practice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thick Lipped vs Honey Gourami

Can I keep a Thick Lipped Gourami and a Honey Gourami together?

It’s generally not recommended, especially in smaller tanks (under 40 gallons). The larger, more boisterous Thick Lipped Gourami can easily bully and outcompete the smaller, shyer Honey Gourami for food and territory.

Which gourami is better for a 10-gallon tank?

The Honey Gourami is the clear winner here. Its small size makes it perfectly suited for a 10-gallon setup, where a Thick Lipped Gourami would be cramped and stressed.

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

For both species, males are typically more colorful and have a more pointed dorsal fin. Females are usually plumper, especially when viewed from above, and have a duller coloration with a rounded dorsal fin.

Why is my Honey Gourami hiding all the time?

This is usually a sign of stress or insecurity. The most common causes are a lack of plant cover, overly bright lighting, or boisterous tank mates. Try adding more floating plants and ensuring its tank mates are calm and peaceful.

So, Which Gourami Is Right for You?

At the end of the day, the thick lipped gourami vs honey gourami decision comes down to your specific aquarium and what you’re looking for in a fish.

Choose the Thick Lipped Gourami if:

  • You have a tank of 20 gallons or more.
  • You want a more active, curious, and visible centerpiece fish.
  • Your community tank consists of other robust but peaceful fish.

Choose the Honey Gourami if:

  • You have a smaller tank (10-20 gallons).
  • You want an exceptionally peaceful and gentle fish for a calm community.
  • You love the idea of a shy but beautiful fish that will thrive in a heavily planted nano tank.

Both of these fish are incredible additions to the aquarium hobby. They are intelligent, beautiful, and relatively easy to care for. By choosing the one that best fits your setup, you’re setting yourself—and your new fish—up for years of enjoyment.

Now you have all the information you need to make a confident choice. Go forth and create a beautiful home for your new gourami. Happy fishkeeping!

Howard Parker
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