Species profile
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
Peaceful
Easy care
60 L minimum aquarium
4–5.5 cm adult size
Top mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Gentle small gourami that thrives in a well-planted, low-current aquarium with floating cover. It is easily intimidated by boisterous fish.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6–8
GH
5–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.9
Generally peaceful. Males become territorial when breeding and females need cover from persistent courtship if multiple fish are kept.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Trichogaster chuna
Alternative names
Honey Dwarf Gourami
Native range
South Asia, including India and Bangladesh.
Natural habitat
Pools, ditches, flooded fields, ponds, lakes and rivers with abundant vegetation. Gentle flow and surface cover are appropriate.
Diet & feeding
Offer quality small pellets/flakes with frozen/live invertebrates. Feed modest portions that can be taken near the surface and midwater.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Breeding males become strongly honey/orange coloured with dark throat/chest markings; females are paler, larger-bodied and less intensely coloured.
Breeding
Bubble-nest spawner. Male builds and guards the nest and developing eggs.