Opaline Gourami 5cm

Opaline Gourami

The Opaline Gourami is an excellent entry-level fish for larger community aquariums. This species is a fantastic all-rounder and is often considered a must-have in well-planned community tanks due to its striking colouration, generally peaceful temperament, and larger adult size. Growing to around 15 cm, Opaline Gouramis also make an impressive showpiece fish in mixed freshwater aquariums.

Opaline Gouramis are very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of aquarium parameters. As an anabantoid species, they possess a labyrinth organ, often described as a primitive lung, which allows them to gulp oxygen directly from the water’s surface. Through selective breeding, their colours have become more pronounced compared to their wild counterparts. One particularly interesting aspect of this species is that it is also available in a fully gold form, which is just as common. As their name suggests, Opaline Gouramis typically display a soft, powder-blue base colour starting at the head, which can transition into green or yellow hues toward the body. Some individuals develop striking vertical striping, along with three distinct black spots along the body and a subtle gold outline on the fins, which may also feature pale yellow speckling.

Opaline Gouramis can be bred in the home aquarium, although, unlike their close relatives, the bettas, there is no easy way to distinguish males from females. Generally, pairs will form naturally when kept in a small group. The wild origin of the gourami group, including the Opaline Gourami, is Asia.

Tank Recommendations for your Opaline Gourami

Opaline Gouramis grow to a fairly large size of around 15 cm, which means the absolute minimum recommended tank size is approximately 60 litres (20 gallons). However, a larger aquarium is always preferable, especially if tank mates are included. These fish can show mild territorial behaviour at times, making additional space highly beneficial. Opaline Gouramis can be kept either solitary or in groups, provided sufficient space and cover are available.

In the wild, Opaline Gouramis inhabit calm, slow-moving waters rich in vegetation, and replicating this environment will help them thrive. Dense planting is ideal, while substrate and hardscape choices are less critical, as these fish spend most of their time in the upper regions of the aquarium. Opaline Gouramis are tropical fish and are best kept at temperatures between 24–26°C.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Opaline Gouramis are generally peaceful fish, though there have been reports of territorial behaviour, particularly toward members of their own species or in cramped environments. In larger aquariums, this behaviour is rarely an issue, but it may occur in tanks closer to the minimum recommended size. Due to their longer fins, Opaline Gouramis can also be targets for fin-nipping species, which should be avoided.

Usually Compatible
Torpedo barbs, corydoras, black widow tetras, plecos, ember tetras.

Sometimes Compatible
Other gourami species and very small fish, such as Endler guppies or maculatus rasboras.

Rarely Compatible
Aggressive species that may harass or prey on gouramis, as well as fin-nipping fish such as tiger barbs, which can cause ongoing stress and injury.

Feeding your Opaline Gourami

Opaline Gouramis are very easy to feed and will readily accept a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. As with all aquarium fish, a varied diet is best. A high-quality floating pellet or flake should form the base of their diet, supplemented with frozen foods such as bloodworms or blackworms, or live foods like baby brine shrimp or microworms.