Three Spot Gourami Vs Blue Gourami – Uncovering Their True Identity

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever stood in front of an aquarium store tank, staring at a beautiful, iridescent fish labeled “Blue Gourami,” only to move to the next tank and see a nearly identical fish called a “Three Spot Gourami”? If you’ve ever felt a bit confused, you are definitely not alone. It’s one of the most common puzzles for new and even intermediate aquarists.

I’m here to clear up the confusion once and for all. This is the ultimate three spot gourami vs blue gourami guide, designed to not only solve this puzzle but to give you the confidence to choose, care for, and truly enjoy these amazing fish in your own aquarium.

We’re going to dive deep into their shared identity, explore the stunning color variations you’ll find, and cover everything you need to know—from the perfect tank setup and diet to temperament and tank mates. By the end, you’ll see why this classic fish, in all its forms, is a fantastic addition to the right community tank.

The Big Reveal: Are Three Spot and Blue Gouramis Different?

Let’s get straight to the point and solve the big mystery right away: There is no difference.

That’s right. The Three Spot Gourami and the Blue Gourami are the exact same species of fish: Trichopodus trichopterus. They are not cousins or subspecies; they are one and the same. Think of it like Golden Retrievers and Red Golden Retrievers—different colors, but the same dog.

So, where do the different names come from?

  • The Three Spot Gourami is the name given to the wild-type coloration of the species. The name refers to the two distinct dark spots on its body—one in the middle and one near the tail. The third spot is actually its eye!
  • The Blue Gourami is simply a selectively bred color morph of the Three Spot Gourami. Breeders noticed some fish had a more vibrant, solid blue coloration and bred them to enhance that trait. It became so popular that it’s now one of the most common varieties you’ll find in stores.

Understanding this is the first step in our comprehensive three spot gourami vs blue gourami care guide. Since they are the same fish, their care, temperament, and tank requirements are identical, regardless of their color.

A Rainbow of Choices: Exploring Popular Gourami Color Morphs

Now that you know the Blue Gourami is just one type of Three Spot Gourami, let’s explore the other beautiful variations you might encounter. This is one of the biggest benefits of three spot gourami vs blue gourami—you have so many stunning options to choose from!

The Classic Blue Gourami

This is the fish most people picture. It features a beautiful powdery or iridescent blue body, often with faint, mottled darker patterns. It’s a true classic and a centerpiece fish for any medium to large community aquarium.

The Opaline (or Cosby) Gourami

The Opaline Gourami is another incredibly popular morph. It lacks the two body spots and instead boasts a gorgeous, marbled pattern of dark blue or black over a lighter, silvery-blue base. They are often considered a more “designed” version of the Blue Gourami.

The Gold Gourami

As the name suggests, this variety has a stunning golden-yellow to orange body with silvery iridescence. Like the Opaline, it typically lacks the two body spots and features a beautiful marbled pattern, making it a warm, vibrant addition to a planted tank.

The Platinum Gourami

Sometimes called the Silver Gourami, this morph is a brilliant, almost solid white or silvery color. It’s a striking fish that stands out beautifully against dark substrate and green plants. It’s essentially an albino or leucistic form of the species.

No matter which color you choose, you’re getting the same hardy, interesting, and engaging fish. The choice is purely aesthetic!

Setting Up the Perfect Home: A Gourami Care Guide

Creating the right environment is crucial for your gourami to thrive. Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for beginners because their needs are straightforward! Here are the three spot gourami vs blue gourami best practices for tank setup.

Tank Size and Lid

A single Three Spot Gourami (of any color) needs a tank of at least 20 gallons, but a 30-gallon or larger tank is much better, especially for a community setup. These fish can grow up to 6 inches long and need room to swim.

A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential. Gouramis are labyrinth fish, which means they have a special “labyrinth organ” that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. They will frequently swim to the surface for a gulp of air. A lid keeps the humid air they need trapped above the water and, just as importantly, prevents them from jumping out!

Water Parameters

These fish are incredibly hardy and adaptable, which is why they’re so popular. They are not fussy about water conditions, but they do best in stable environments.

  • Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
  • pH: 6.0-7.8 (they are very tolerant)
  • Hardness: 5-25 dGH

The most important thing is to keep the water clean and the parameters stable. A standard weekly water change of 25% is a great routine to maintain.

Aquascaping and Decor

Three Spot Gouramis originate from slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters in Southeast Asia. To make them feel at home, provide plenty of hiding spots. Densely planted areas, driftwood, and caves are perfect.

Floating plants like Frogbit or Red Root Floaters are a fantastic addition. They dim the light slightly and provide cover at the surface, which makes these labyrinth breathers feel much more secure.

Diet and Feeding: What Do These Labyrinth Fish Eat?

In the wild, Trichopodus trichopterus are omnivores, eating everything from small insects and larvae to algae and plant matter. Replicating this varied diet is the key to a healthy and colorful fish.

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

To really see their colors pop and encourage natural behaviors, supplement their diet 2-3 times a week with treats like:

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

Feed them once a day, only giving them what they can consume in about two minutes. Overfeeding is one of the most common problems in the aquarium hobby and can lead to poor water quality.

Navigating Temperament: The Three Spot Gourami vs Blue Gourami in a Community Tank

This is where things get interesting and where many aquarists run into common problems with three spot gourami vs blue gourami. While often sold as peaceful community fish, they are best described as semi-aggressive. Their personality can vary greatly from one individual to another.

Most are peaceful and will ignore their tank mates. However, some, particularly males, can become territorial bullies, especially in smaller tanks. It’s crucial to choose tank mates carefully.

Good Tank Mates:

Choose fish that are peaceful but not too small or timid. Good options include:

  • Corydoras Catfish
  • Larger Tetras (Black Skirt, Serpae)
  • Rasboras (Harlequin, Scissortail)
  • Plecos (Bristlenose, Clown)
  • Peaceful Barbs (Cherry, Rosy)

Tank Mates to Avoid:

Avoid fish that are known fin-nippers or are aggressive themselves. Also, avoid fish that are very small or have long, flowing fins.

  • Tiger Barbs (notorious fin-nippers)
  • Bettas (two labyrinth fish males will likely fight)
  • Guppies or Endlers (too small and flashy, may be bullied)
  • Angelfish (can be a toss-up; both can be territorial)

A pro tip: To reduce aggression, provide a large, well-decorated tank with plenty of plants and hiding spots to break up lines of sight. This prevents any single fish from claiming the entire tank as its territory.

Sustainable Fishkeeping: An Eco-Friendly Approach to Gouramis

As part of the Aquifarm community, we believe in responsible fishkeeping. Embracing a sustainable three spot gourami vs blue gourami approach is easy and makes a real difference.

Fortunately, virtually all Three Spot Gouramis and their color morphs sold in the hobby are commercially bred in farms, not collected from the wild. This is fantastic for sustainability! When you purchase one, you’re supporting aquaculture and not putting pressure on wild populations.

To take your eco-friendly three spot gourami vs blue gourami care a step further:

  1. Support Local: Purchase from reputable local fish stores that prioritize the health and source of their livestock.
  2. Mindful Water Changes: Use a siphon to remove waste effectively, and consider using the old aquarium water for your houseplants—it’s full of great nutrients!
  3. Energy Efficiency: Use an energy-efficient heater and an LED light on a timer to reduce your carbon footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions About Three Spot vs Blue Gouramis

Are Three Spot Gouramis aggressive?

They can be. They are considered semi-aggressive. While many are peaceful, some individuals, especially males, can be territorial and bully smaller or more timid tank mates. It’s best to keep them with robust, similar-sized community fish in a tank with plenty of hiding places.

How big do Blue Gouramis get?

Since Blue Gouramis are the same species as Three Spot Gouramis, they reach the same size. You can expect them to grow to about 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) in a home aquarium. Proper diet and a spacious tank will help them reach their full potential.

Can I keep two male gouramis together?

It is strongly recommended not to keep two male Three Spot Gouramis together. They are highly likely to fight, especially in tanks under 55 gallons. A single gourami, a male/female pair, or a group of all females (in a large tank) are much safer options.

Wait, if it’s called a Three Spot Gourami, why do I only see two spots?

This is a classic bit of fish trivia! The name “Three Spot” is a bit of a trick. The two obvious spots are on its body—one in the center and one near the tail fin. The third “spot” is its eye!

Your Gourami Adventure Awaits

So, the great debate of three spot gourami vs blue gourami ends with a simple, wonderful truth: they are the same incredible fish, just dressed in different colors. Whether you’re drawn to the classic Blue, the marbled Opaline, or the sunny Gold, you’re choosing a hardy, engaging, and beautiful centerpiece for your aquarium.

By providing them with a spacious, well-decorated home, a varied diet, and suitable tank mates, you’ll be rewarded with a fish that is full of personality for years to come.

Now that you have the knowledge and confidence, go pick out your favorite color. Happy fishkeeping!

Howard Parker
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