Types Of Three Spot Gourami – A Complete Guide To Their Stunning

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever stood in front of an aquarium, mesmerized by a fish with a striking color and a curious, intelligent gaze? Chances are, you might have been looking at a gourami. But the world of gouramis is vast, and one of the most popular and misunderstood is the Three Spot Gourami.

You might be wondering which one is right for your tank. With so many color variations, it’s easy to feel a little lost. You want a beautiful centerpiece fish, but you also want to ensure it will be happy, healthy, and a good neighbor to its tank mates.

Imagine confidently walking into your local fish store, knowing exactly which of the stunning types of three spot gourami will thrive in your setup. Picture a vibrant, active aquarium where your gourami glides gracefully between plants, its personality shining through because you’ve created the perfect environment for it.

Don’t worry—you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll explore the dazzling varieties, their specific needs, and how to create a peaceful aquatic community. Let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to these captivating fish.

So, What Exactly *Is* a Three Spot Gourami?

Before we jump into the beautiful color morphs, let’s get to know the fish itself. The Three Spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) is a classic in the aquarium hobby, and for good reason. They are hardy, full of personality, and absolutely beautiful.

But wait, why is it called a “Three Spot” when you can clearly only see two spots on its body? It’s a fun bit of trivia! The third “spot” is actually the fish’s eye. So, you have one spot mid-body, one near the tail, and the eye, making up the titular three spots.

These fish are also part of a special group called Labyrinth fish. This means they have a special organ, the labyrinth organ, that allows them to breathe atmospheric air directly from the surface. It’s an amazing adaptation from their native habitats in the slow-moving, oxygen-poor waters of Southeast Asia.

A Vibrant Palette: The Most Popular Types of Three Spot Gourami

This is where the fun really begins! Through selective breeding, aquarists have developed several breathtaking color varieties from the original wild-type fish. While their care requirements are largely the same, each has a unique aesthetic. This is your complete types of three spot gourami guide to the most popular varieties.

The Classic Blue Gourami

This is the fish that started it all! The Blue Gourami is the closest to the wild form. It features a beautiful, silvery-blue body with faint, darker marbling and the two distinct black spots. They are a timeless choice for any aquarium.

The Opalescent Gourami (or Cosby Gourami)

The Opalescent Gourami is a real showstopper. It lacks the two distinct body spots and instead boasts a stunning, marbled pattern of silvery-blue and darker grey-blue across its entire body. This creates a shimmering, opalescent effect under aquarium lighting that is truly captivating.

The Gold Gourami

For those who love a pop of color, the Gold Gourami is a fantastic option. This variety has a brilliant golden-yellow to orange body, often with faint, darker marbling. From personal experience, Gold Gouramis can sometimes be a bit more assertive than their blue cousins, so be sure to give them plenty of space.

The Platinum Gourami (or Silver Gourami)

Elegance personified! The Platinum Gourami is a leucistic variety, meaning it lacks most pigmentation. This results in a stunning, solid silvery-white or creamy-white fish. They look incredible against a backdrop of dark green plants and are a truly striking centerpiece.

The Lavender Gourami

A less common but equally beautiful variety, the Lavender Gourami displays a soft, purplish-blue hue. It’s a more subtle color but has a unique charm that sets it apart. If you can find one, it makes for a very special addition to your tank.

Setting Up the Perfect Home: A Three Spot Gourami Care Guide

Now that you’ve seen the variety, let’s talk about how to keep them happy and healthy. Following these types of three spot gourami best practices will ensure your fish thrives for years to come. Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for beginners who are ready for a slightly larger tank!

Tank Size and Setup

These are not small fish! A fully grown Three Spot Gourami can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm). We recommend a minimum of a 30-gallon (114 liters) tank for a single gourami. If you plan on keeping one with other fish, a 40-gallon breeder or larger is even better.

A tight-fitting lid is an absolute must. As labyrinth fish, they will regularly visit the surface for air, and they are known to be excellent jumpers!

Water Parameters

The good news is that these fish are quite hardy and can adapt to a range of conditions. The key is stability. Avoid sudden swings in temperature or pH.

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

Filtration and Aquascaping

In their natural habitat, gouramis live in slow-moving streams, rice paddies, and marshes. They do not appreciate strong water currents. Use a filter with an adjustable outflow, or opt for a gentle sponge filter. A hang-on-back filter with a baffle works great, too.

They absolutely love a heavily planted tank! Plants provide security, break up lines of sight (which reduces aggression), and mimic their natural environment. Be sure to include:

  • Floating Plants: Things like Frogbit or Red Root Floaters are a must. They dim the lighting and make your gourami feel safe.
  • Tall Plants: Vallisneria, Amazon Swords, and Hornwort provide great cover.
  • Hiding Spots: Use driftwood and rock caves to create territories and safe retreats.

Diet and Feeding: Fueling Your Gourami’s Health

One of the many benefits of types of three spot gourami is that they are not picky eaters. As omnivores, they will happily accept a wide variety of foods. A balanced diet is crucial for their health and vibrant coloration.

A high-quality tropical flake or small pellet should be their staple food. To keep things interesting and provide a nutritional boost, supplement their diet 2-3 times a week with:

  • Frozen Foods: Brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms are excellent choices.
  • Live Foods: A real treat! They will eagerly hunt for live brine shrimp or daphnia.
  • Vegetable Matter: They will also appreciate blanched zucchini or shelled peas occasionally.

Temperament and Tank Mates: Navigating Social Dynamics

This is one of the most important sections of this care guide. Three Spot Gouramis are labeled as “semi-aggressive,” which can be confusing. What does that actually mean?

It means their temperament can vary. Some are perfectly peaceful community members, while others can become territorial bullies, especially adult males. The key to success is choosing the right tank mates and providing the right environment.

Best Tank Mates

Choose fish that are robust, of a similar size, and won’t be easily intimidated. Avoid anything with long, flashy fins that might get nipped.

  • Robust Tetras: Black Skirt Tetras, Serpae Tetras, or Congo Tetras.
  • Barbs: Tiger Barbs (in a proper school to keep them occupied), Cherry Barbs, or Rosy Barbs.

    • –Bottom Dwellers: Corydoras catfish, Bristlenose Plecos, and Kuhli Loaches are great as they occupy a different part of the tank.

  • Rainbowfish: Species like the Boesemani Rainbowfish are fast-moving and colorful.

Fish to Avoid

Steer clear of very small, timid fish, as well as fish with long, flowing fins. It’s also best to avoid keeping them with other closely related labyrinth fish.

  • Bettas: A definite no. A male gourami and a male betta will likely fight to the death.
  • Guppies and Endlers: Their long fins are too tempting for a gourami to resist nipping.
  • Other Male Gouramis: Unless you have a very large tank (75+ gallons) with tons of plants, do not keep two male Three Spot Gouramis together.
  • Dwarf Gouramis: They can be bullied by the much larger and more boisterous Three Spot Gourami.

Common Problems with Types of Three Spot Gourami and How to Solve Them

Even with the best care, you might run into an issue or two. Here are some of the most common problems with types of three spot gourami and some practical tips on how to handle them.

Problem: My Gourami is Aggressive and Chasing Other Fish!

This is the number one issue aquarists face. Usually, it’s a male establishing his territory. The solution is often environmental.

  1. Break Lines of Sight: Add more tall plants, driftwood, or decor. If the gourami can’t see across the entire tank, it’s less likely to feel the need to control it all.
  2. Check Your Stocking: Is the tank overcrowded? Is the gourami housed with incompatible tank mates?
  3. Dither Fish: Adding a school of fast-moving, peaceful fish (like Zebra Danios) can sometimes distract a territorial fish and spread out the aggression.

Problem: My Gourami is Hiding All the Time.

A new fish will often hide for a few days. If it persists, it’s a sign of stress. Ensure you have plenty of cover, especially floating plants. Also, check for any aggressive tank mates that might be bullying the gourami.

Problem: My Fish has White Spots or Ragged Fins.

These are signs of common diseases like Ich (white spots) or Fin Rot (ragged fins). These are almost always caused by stress and poor water quality. The best cure is prevention! Perform regular water changes, don’t overstock your tank, and quarantine all new fish before adding them to your main aquarium.

A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gourami Keeping

As responsible aquarists, we should always consider our impact on the environment. When looking for sustainable types of three spot gourami, the choice is simple: always opt for captive-bred fish. The varieties we discussed—Gold, Platinum, Opalescent—are all products of captive breeding.

Choosing captive-bred specimens reduces the pressure on wild populations and their habitats. Furthermore, it’s crucial to practice eco-friendly types of three spot gourami care by never, ever releasing aquarium pets into local waterways. They can become invasive species and cause severe damage to native ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Three Spot Gourami

How many Three Spot Gouramis can I keep together?

It’s best to keep just one as a centerpiece fish. If you have a large tank (55+ gallons), you can keep one male with two or three females. Never keep two males together unless the tank is exceptionally large and heavily decorated.

Are Three Spot Gouramis good for beginners?

Yes, they can be! They are very hardy and adaptable. The main challenge for a beginner is providing a large enough tank and managing their potential semi-aggressive nature by choosing appropriate tank mates. This is a great “next step” fish after keeping smaller community species.

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

It’s quite easy once they mature. The male has a long, pointed dorsal fin (the fin on his back). The female’s dorsal fin is much shorter and has a rounded edge. Males also tend to be slightly more colorful and slender.

Your Gourami Adventure Awaits!

From the classic Blue to the radiant Gold and elegant Platinum, the various types of three spot gourami offer a fantastic option for aquarists looking to add a fish with size, color, and an incredible amount of personality to their tank.

By providing them with a spacious, well-planted home, a varied diet, and suitable companions, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful centerpiece fish that will interact with you and explore its environment for years to come.

Now that you have this complete guide, you’re ready to confidently choose the perfect gourami for your aquatic masterpiece. Happy fishkeeping!

Howard Parker
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