
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Trichogaster chuna
A small gourami with warm honey-colored body. Gentle temperament ideal for community tanks.
The honey gourami (Trichogaster chuna) is a small labyrinth fish native to rivers, ponds, and rice paddies of India and Bangladesh. Reaching 4–5 cm, its normal coloration is a subtle pale cream to yellowish hue — understated but elegant. However, during breeding condition, males undergo a stunning transformation: the head, back, and sides glow in deep orange to golden yellow, while the throat and belly turn jet black, creating a striking contrast that is one of the most dramatic color changes in small freshwater fish. Compared to the closely related dwarf gourami, honey gouramis are notably less aggressive — indeed, they are considered one of the gentlest gouramis, compatible with a wide range of small fish and even dwarf shrimp. Like all labyrinth fish, they breathe atmospheric air through a specialized organ and benefit from floating plants for security and bubble nest construction. They accept a varied diet readily. Males actively build and defend bubble nests during breeding, exhibiting attentive parental care.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Honey Gourami lives 4-6 years.
The Honey Gourami grows to 4-5cm.
The ideal water temperature for the Honey Gourami is 22〜28℃.
Slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.5) at 24–28°C suits them well.
Origin
India and Bangladesh
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.
Accepted name: Trichogaster chuna (Hamilton, 1822)
Synonyms: Colisa chuna (Hamilton, 1822), Colisa sota (Hamilton, 1822), Polyacanthus sota (Hamilton, 1822), Trichopodus chuna Hamilton, 1822, Trichopodus sota Hamilton, 1822
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / CITES Appendices (Checklist)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
4-6 years
Size
4-5cm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Artificial feed, Frozen food
Calm and almost never aggressive
Floating plants help it settle
Breeds by building a bubble nest
Prefers gentle flow
Males turn orange in breeding colour
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Honey Gourami is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Honey Gourami is 4-6 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Honey Gourami typically reaches 4-5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Honey Gourami feeds on: Artificial feed, Frozen food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Honey Gourami varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026