Honey Red Gourami (Trichogaster chuna 'Red')

The Honey Red Gourami (Trichogaster chuna 'Red') is a selectively bred ornamental strain of the Honey Gourami developed for enhanced, deeper red-orange body coloration compared to the natural honey-gold of the wild type. In high-quality specimens, the coloration achieves a striking robin-red to deep orange-red suffusion across most of the body, particularly in males during peak breeding condition.

Aside from the enhanced coloration, the Honey Red Gourami is identical in biology, care requirements, and temperament to the standard Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna). It retains the same labyrinth fish characteristics, including the ability to breathe atmospheric air directly, and males construct bubble nests among floating vegetation.

Honey Red Gouramis are among the most disease-resistant and hardy of the dwarf gourami group — significantly more robust than the Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius), which is highly susceptible to Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV). Their hardiness, peaceful temperament, and striking coloration make them an excellent choice for nano and community planted aquariums.

Breeding male Honey Red Gouramis in their full crimson display, building and tending a bubble nest among surface plants, represent one of the most charming natural behaviors observable in a small aquarium setup.

Honey Red Gouramis share identical care requirements with Trichogaster chuna: pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 3–12 dGH, and temperatures 22–28°C. They are adaptable and forgiving, performing well in a range of conditions while showing best coloration in slightly acidic, soft water with good vegetation.

A minimum 40-liter planted aquarium with floating plants for bubble nest construction (Salvinia, Frogbit) suits a pair well. Provide dense stem plant cover, driftwood, and gentle to still water movement. Avoid strong current, which stresses these calm-water fish.

Feed varied small foods: quality flake, micro pellets, daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and small bloodworms. The vivid red coloration is enhanced by foods containing astaxanthin or high carotenoid content: krill-based foods, Color Enhancing flakes, and frozen foods.

Compatible with all small, peaceful community species: nano tetras, rasboras, small corydoras, small catfish, and small shrimp. Males may occasionally be briefly assertive with other gourami males but rarely cause injury. Avoid nippy, aggressive, or very boisterous species.

Regular water changes of 25–30% weekly maintain water quality and encourage breeding behavior in well-conditioned pairs.