Species profile
Three Spot/Blue Gourami
Trichopodus trichopterus
Semi aggressive
Easy care
180 L minimum aquarium
8–15 cm adult size
Top mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Hardy, larger gourami sold in several colour forms. Adults can be assertive, so use a well-planted aquarium with broken sightlines rather than treating it as a placid centrepiece fish.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–30 °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
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1.8
Males can be strongly territorial. Where several are kept, one male with multiple females and abundant cover is safer than an even-sex ratio in a cramped tank.
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
180 L
Minimum footprint
100 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Trichopodus trichopterus
Alternative names
Three Spot Gourami, Blue Gourami, Gold Gourami, Opaline Gourami
Native range
Mainland and insular Southeast Asia, including the Mekong region and Indonesia.
Natural habitat
Marshes, swamps, canals, seasonally flooded forest and other shallow sluggish vegetated waters.
Diet & feeding
Feed quality omnivore pellets/flakes, frozen/live invertebrates and some plant-based material.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males usually have a longer pointed dorsal fin; females are fuller-bodied with a shorter rounded dorsal fin.
Breeding
Bubble-nest spawner. Male guards the nest and may become highly territorial during breeding.