Red Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna) 3"

The Red Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna) is a small, highly peaceful freshwater fish prized for its stunning reddish-orange coloration and gentle demeanor. Unlike many aggressive gourami species, it is a perfect candidate for nano tanks and calm community aquariums.

Quick Profile Summary

Scientific Name: Trichogaster chuna (Red color morph)

Max Size: 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm)

Lifespan: 4 to 6 years with proper care

Temperament: Very peaceful and slightly shy

Care Level: Easy (suitable for beginners)

Special Trait: Labyrinth organ allows them to breathe atmospheric air at the surface.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Red Honey Gouramis originate from slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters in India and Bangladesh. They require an environment that mimics these calm conditions:

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (approx. 38–40 liters) for a pair or small group.

Water Temperature: Warm water between 74°F and 82°F (23°C to 28°C).

pH Range: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Water Hardness: Soft to medium low hardness.

Filtration: Very gentle water flow. Strong currents stress them out and disrupt their ability to swim or build nests. Use sponge filters or adjustable hang-on-back filters.

Aquarium Decor: Heavy live planting is essential. Use a mix of tall background plants (like Vallisneria or Java Fern) and floating plants (like Duckweed or Frogbit). Floating cover blocks harsh light and makes them feel secure.

Diet & Nutrition

These fish are omnivores and are not picky eaters. Feeding a diverse diet brings out their deepest red and orange coloration:

Base Diet: High-quality tropical flakes or micro-pellets.

Live/Frozen Foods: Feed bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, or tubifex worms 2–3 times a week.

Vegetable Matter: Occasional blanched spinach or spirulina flakes.

Ideal Tank Mates

Because they are timid, avoid housing them with aggressive, fast-moving, or fin-nipping fish.

Excellent Companions: Small tetras (Neon, Ember), Harlequin Rasboras, Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, and peaceful invertebrates like Cherry Shrimp or Nerite Snails.

Species Ratio: You can keep them solo, in a male-female pair, or a small group. If keeping multiple, keep more females than males (e.g., 1 male to 2 females) so the females are not constantly harassed by breeding behavior.