Giant Gourami
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
An endearing fish, but too large for most home aquariums. Aaron Norman
Overview
The Giant Gourami is a sedentary, fairly peaceful species that attains lengths of more than two feet (60 cm). Although once rare, juveniles are now being imported in large numbers, resulting in many fish being sold to aquarists, who must then deal with them as they grow.
Family: Osphronemidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Swamps, ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers.
Maximum length: 70 cm (28 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 1135 L (300 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 30 °C (86 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to top.
Feeding
Omnivore, but feeds very heavily on vegetation. Offer Spirulina, nori sheets, leaf lettuce.
Aquarium Compatibility
Not at all aggressive for its size, but a fish for very large systems or public aquaria only.
Breeding/Propagation
Male builds large floating nest of twigs and leaves and guards the eggs, which hatch in about 24 hours.
Notes
A meaty food fish domesticated and aquacultured for table use in parts of Asia.