How difficult is it to keep Giant gourami?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Giant gourami?

The ideal temperature for Giant gourami is 20〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Giant gourami?

The average lifespan of Giant gourami is Can live over 20 years in captivity (Seriously Fish). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Giant gourami get?

Giant gourami typically reaches Up to 70 cm SL, commonly about 45 cm (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Giant gourami?

Giant gourami feeds on: Omnivore (prepared foods, frozen foods, vegetables). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Giant gourami?

The price of Giant gourami varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Giant gourami

Intermediate

Osphronemus goramy

One of the largest gouramis, native to Southeast Asia. Barred juveniles look charming, but adults reach 70 cm SL with a bulging forehead and may live over 20 years, needing an extra-large tank.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

20〜30℃

Lifespan

Can live over 20 years in captivity (Seriously Fish)

Size

Up to 70 cm SL, commonly about 45 cm (FishBase)

Diet

Omnivore (prepared foods, frozen foods, vegetables)

About

The giant gourami, Osphronemus goramy, is a large osphronemid of Sumatra, Borneo, Java, the Malay Peninsula, Thailand and the Mekong basin of Indochina (FishBase). Widely farmed for food, it has been introduced to many countries. It reaches 70 cm SL, commonly 45 cm. It lives among vegetation in swamps, lakes, rivers and flooded forest and relies on air-breathing. An omnivore, it eats aquatic plants, fish, frogs and earthworms. Males build large nests of plant fibres rather than bubble nests. Barred juveniles are sold small but grow fast, and Seriously Fish notes captive fish can live over 20 years and learn to recognise their owners. A golden variety exists, and dyed fish injected with colour sometimes appear. The smaller, red-finned O. laticlavius is a separate species.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Giant gourami

The Giant gourami lives Can live over 20 years in captivity (Seriously Fish).

Juveniles are available from Japanese specialist shops; consider the adult size and lifespan before buying.

Size of the Giant gourami

The Giant gourami grows to Up to 70 cm SL, commonly about 45 cm (FishBase).

Temperature & humidity for the Giant gourami

The ideal temperature for the Giant gourami is 20〜30℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Southeast Asia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Mekong basin)

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Osphronemus goramy Lacepède, 1801

Synonyms: Osphromenus gourami Lacepède, 1801, Osphromenus notatus Cuvier, 1831, Osphromenus olfax Cuvier, 1831, Osphromenus satyrus (Shaw, 1803), Osphronemus gouramy Lacepède, 1801, Trichopode mentonnier Lacepède, 1801, Trichopodus mentum Lacepède, 1801, Trichopus goramy (Lacepède, 1801), Trichopus satyrus Shaw, 1803

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act nor on the invasive species list (as of September 2026). It reaches 70 cm SL and may live over 20 years, so plan for lifelong housing and never release it into the wild.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.