Three Spot Gourami
Trichopodus trichopterus
Also known as: Blue gourami, Gold gourami, Opaline gourami, Cosby gourami
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 110 litres (29 gallons)
- Lifespan: 4–6 years
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Swimming level: middle-and-top
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum group size: 1
- Difficulty: intermediate
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22–28°C
- pH: 6–8
- Hardness (GH): 36–357 ppm (2–20 dGH)
Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.
Care Summary
The hardiest of the commonly-sold gouramis and the most adaptable to water chemistry, which has kept it in the trade for decades. A labyrinth fish that breathes air at the surface, so it needs surface access and a tight, warm lid to protect the breathing organ from cold room air. The catch is temperament: where honey and pearl gouramis are peaceable, the three spot is assertive and sometimes a bully, which makes tankmate selection the main task in keeping it well. Given space and the right companions it is a striking, long-lived centrepiece. The three-spot name counts the two body spots plus the eye, a piece of aquarium-trade arithmetic that puzzles newcomers.
Tankmates
Hardier and considerably bolder than the smaller gouramis, and the temperament reflects it. Mature individuals, particularly males and the opaline strain, can be genuinely territorial and will harass smaller or timid fish. Best kept as a single specimen, or one male with two or more females in a large tank. Never house with bettas or other gouramis, and avoid small nano fish and shrimp, which are bullied or eaten. The thread-like pelvic feelers are a target for nippers like tiger barbs, so keep them away too. Suitable companions are robust, fast, and not long-finned: larger barbs, danios, and sturdy bottom-dwellers. The colour names (blue, gold, opaline, Cosby) are all the same species.
Compatible with
Avoid keeping with
- Betta
- Dwarf Gourami
- Pearl Gourami
- Honey Gourami
- Guppy
- Tiger Barb
- Cherry Shrimp
- Ember Tetra
- Chili Rasbora
Common Problems
- aggression toward smaller or long-finned tankmates
- territorial behaviour in mature males
- ich
- labyrinth-organ chill from an uncovered tank
Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20