Giant Gourami (Osphronemus goramy)

The Giant Gourami is the largest member of family Osphronemidae, native to slow-moving rivers and lakes across Southeast Asia where it is also widely cultivated as a food fish. Juveniles display a striking silvery body with faint dark banding that fades to a uniform gray-gold coloration in large adults. Despite its eventual size, it is a surprisingly intelligent and personable fish that often recognizes its keeper and can be trained to hand-feed. A true specimen fish requiring a very large aquarium.

Requires a minimum 600 L aquarium as an adult, with strong filtration and excellent water quality. Maintain temperature 22–28°C, pH 6.5–8.0. This is an air-breathing labyrinth fish that must have unobstructed access to the water surface. Feed a varied omnivorous diet including quality pellets, vegetables, fruit, and protein foods. Can be kept singly or in a bonded pair in very large systems. Semi-aggressive; size-match any tankmates carefully.