The Thick Lipped Gourami, scientific name Trichogaster labiosa (previously Colisa labiosa) turns into a really good-looking fish and impressive for the aquarium. As soon as it will get settled this magnificence makes a really engaging addition to a group aquarium.
In this article, I am going to give an overview of Thick Lipped Gourami care, for sale, vs honey gourami, tank size, lifespan, size, care, sunset Thick Lipped Gourami, orange Thick Lipped Gourami, etc.
Thick Lipped Gourami profile
The mature grownup has a splendid rusty orange or brown coloration accented by turquoise-colored fins with orange or purple edges.
The males are much more beautiful with daring turquoise bands which run vertically alongside the physique, particularly in direction of the again.
The time period ‘labiosa’ in Thick Lipped Gourami’s scientific title means ‘lip’ and is referring to the thick lips of this fish, therefore its different widespread title is Thicklip Gourami.
Thick Lipped Gourami is an implausible fish in its true coloration, but it surely has been additionally developed to carry out extra of its orange.
This shade morph shouldn’t be present in nature however has been selectively bred for aquarium commerce.
This gold or ‘sunset’ pressure has the barred patterning of the “true” type changed by a uniform orangish purple or gold coloration.
This selection can be very gorgeous and the feminine is nearly as colorful because of the male.
It is called the Sunset Gourami or Sundown Thicklip Gourami, and generally can be referred to as the Orange Thicklip Gourami or Golden Thicklip Gourami.
This gourami may be very intently associated with the well-known Dwarf Gourami Trichogaster lalius and the Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciatus.
In truth, the pure shade sample of the Thick Lipped Gourami is so much like that of the Banded Gourami, that the 2 are simply mistaken.
Additionally, due to the shut relationship between the Thick Lipped Gourami and these different two, they will crossbreed.
Selectively bred hybrids have produced much more new shade patterns in golds, reds, and greens, with the purple hybrid being referred to as the “Robin Gourami”.
These shade morphs are sometimes extra out there to the aquarist than the “true” type, presumably as a result of they keep their coloration higher on the retailers.
Whether or not as shade morphs of particular person species or as hybrids of two species, the variety of shade varieties selectively bred in captivity has created numerous confusion.
When deciding on any of those fish it helps to know the scientific title in addition to the widespread title.
It is because widespread names are sometimes utilized relatively indiscriminately, with totally different developed varieties typically being referred to as by the identical title. an instance of that is the Sundown Gourami.
Sunsets generally is a shade variation of the Thick Lipped Gourami T. Labiosa or the Honey Gourami T. Chuna, and likewise different fish can have a “sundown” shade morph.
This gourami is a Labyrinth fish, and as is the attribute of this group it will need to have entry to the floor of the tank so it could possibly breathe.
They’ll nonetheless get oxygen by passing water by means of their gills, however, they have got an extra respiratory organ referred to as the “labyrinth organ”.
One other attribute of the Thick Lipped Gourami is that of being a bubble nest builder, and this male appears to take pleasure in constructing his nest.
He’ll construct a nest so massive that it could possibly cowl half of the aquarium floor.
Nevertheless, the nest is fragile and he doesn’t use vegetation in it, however, to maintain it secure he’ll construct it underneath a leaf.
Thick Lipped Gouramis are a lot harder than most dwarf varieties and one of the many best species of gourami to breed.
This makes them a nice first fish for the start keeper. As soon as acclimated and cozy in their very own atmosphere, their actually stunning colors start to emerge.
They have got a terrific urge for food and though they appear to want to stay meals, they aren’t choosy about what meals they may eat.
Sunset Gourami – Quick Aquarium Care
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner
Size of fish – inches: 4.0 inches (10.03 cm)
Minimum Tank Size: 15 gal (57 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
Temperature: 72.0 to 83.0° F (22.2 to 28.3° C)
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Osphronemidae
Genus: Trichogaster
Species: labiosa
Thick Lipped Gourami tank cates
Being a peaceable fish makes them a superb addition to a group tank however they could be a little timid, particularly if housed with fish that pester them.
These fish do properly in a bunch or with different peaceable fish in a tank as small as 15 gallons.
They like a planted aquarium in order that they have locations to cover. Ideally, place vegetation alongside the again of the aquarium, have some floating vegetation, and depart open areas within the entrance for them to swim.
This species in its pure coloration shouldn’t be as in style as different varieties.
It is because few hobbyists have the endurance to attend for the Thicklip Gourami’s full colors, which are slower in coming.
Nevertheless, those who do decide to maintain this fish are significantly rewarded when males flush with their breeding colors.
They’re a number of the most sensible of the household!
Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Thick Lipped Gourami Trichogaster labiosa (beforehand Colisa labiosa) was described by Day in 1877.
It’s present in tropical South Asia the place it’s indigenous to Southern Myanmar (Burma) from the Irrawaddy, Sittang (Sittoung), and the Nice Tenasserim River (or Tanintharyi River).
It has additionally been launched into Colombia, South America.
One other widespread title it’s recognized by is Thicklip Gourami.
This species is listed on the IUCN Purple Record as Least Concern (LC) as it’s widespread and there are not any important threats throughout its vary.
Most of those fish out there within the commerce at this time are commercially produced. It is rather unlikely that wild-caught specimens could be encountered for the aquarium.
A paper by Myers in 1923 resulted in a taxonomic misinterpretation and at the moment the generic title Colisa was adopted for the small western species of gourami, together with this species.
This interpretation has extra lately come underneath assessment and the taxonomical construction revisited and restructured.
The result’s that every one of the species which had been positioned underneath Colisa has now been modified to Trichogaster as per Topfer and Schindler in 2009, and Tan and Kottelat in 2009.
They’re present in rivers in addition to ponds, irrigation channels, and rice fields.
The waters they inhabit are shady and sluggish transferring, normally with a lot of aquatic vegetation in addition to floating vegetation.
They’re omnivorous in nature almost certainly feeding on small invertebrates, bugs, and different zooplankton.
Attention-grabbing conduct, much like that of the Archer Fish Toxotes spp., present in each the Trichopodus and Trichogaster species is that they’ve been noticed catching their prey by squirting water.
They do that by aligning themselves diagonally within the water to look at for prey above.
Then with sudden contractions of their mouth cavity, they may squirt drops of water on the prey, knocking it off its perch into the water, the place it’s rapidly snapped up by the fish.
Scientific Identify: Trichogaster labiosa
Social Grouping: Teams – In nature, this species lives communally with different peaceable species.
IUCN Purple Record: LC – Least Concern
Thick Lipped Gourami Description
The Thick Lipped Gourami is considerably compressed and roughly follows the diamond form of the opposite gouramis.
The fins are rounded and comparatively massive. The male can have a noticeably pointed extension of the dorsal fin.
The pelvic fins are threadlike and intensely delicate.
This fish has a labyrinth organ, part of the fish which permits it to soak up atmospheric oxygen immediately into the bloodstream.
It’ll attain nearly Four inches (10 cm) in size and has a mean lifespan of 4 – 7 years with correct care.
The bottom physique shade of males is a rusty orange or brown.
The male fish can have daring turquoise bands that run vertically starting behind the neck and rising extra solid towards the again of the fish.
The fins are additionally turquoise with orange or purple edges.
The color of the Thick Lipped Gourami turns brighter when males are in breeding situations.
The female Thick Lipped Gouramis are olive-brown with very hazy or nonexistent blue bars
A selectively-bred golden or “sundown” pressure has additionally been produced for a purple or golden coloration.
In these or all the blue colors are bred out and a hotter and lighter physique shade of purple, orange, or yellow is produced.
It’s recognized by a number of widespread names together with Sundown Gourami, Sundown Thicklip Gourami, Orange Thicklip Gourami, and Golden Thicklip Gourami.
These names, or a mixture of them, are additionally typically used for shade morphs of the Honey Gourami T. Chuna, the Dwarf Gourami T. lalius, and generally different dwarf species.
They’re used for hybrids as properly, the place the T. labiosa is crossed with both the Dwarf Gourami T. lalius or the Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciatus.
Some have tried to capitalize on the success of the sundown and dawn gouramis by creating dyed variations of the 2.
The extra benign model of the dying course merely includes feeding meals laced with dyes.
The superficial shade of the fish rapidly fades and so far as we all know, the fish goes on to guide a kind of regular life.
The opposite model makes use of the rather more questionable, however, equally temporary dye technique known as portray, juicing, or just dyeing.
Pockets of liquid dye are believed to be injected with a big needle in a number of, maybe dozens of websites, on the fish beneath the pores and skin.
There’s sturdy proof suggesting that the method is painful for the fish, causes the decreased immune system to perform, and drastically shortens the lifetime of the fish.
Whereas in the end, the choice is with the aquarist, they need to be ready to make a knowledgeable alternative with their purchases.
Measurement of fish – inches: 4.Zero inches (10.03 cm)
Lifespan: Four years – Their common lifespan is 4 – 7 years with correct care.
Fish Conserving Challenges
It is a hardy fish with a peaceable nature and makes as a sensible choice for the newbie. They’re pretty simple to keep up and readily take most commercially ready meals.
They like to heat water however are fairly adaptable. Not being overly delicate to water chemistry circumstances, they will tolerate modifications inside cause.
Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
Aquarist Expertise Degree: Newbie
Meals and Feeding
The Thick Lipped Gouramis are omnivorous, within the wild, they almost certainly feed on small invertebrates, bugs, and different zooplankton.
They particularly like stay meals, however will adapt to different meals readily. Within the aquarium, these fish will usually eat all types of stay, contemporary, and flake meals.
To maintain superb stability give them high-quality flake or pellet meals as the bottom to the weight-reduction plan.
Complement this with stay meals reminiscent of white worms, blood worms, brine shrimp, or some other appropriate substitute.
Recent greens in addition to vegetable tablets, like spirulina wafers, might be provided as properly. Typically feed a few times a day.
Food type: Omnivore
Flake Meals: Sure
Pill / Pellet: Sure
Dwell meals (fishes, shrimps, worms): A little diet
Vegetable Meals: A little diet
Meaty Meals: A little diet
Feeding Frequency: Each day – Typically feed a few times a day.
Thick Lipped Gourami Aquarium Care
These gouramis are hardy fish however the aquarist should present a rigorous system of water modifications.
Though the labyrinth organ permits the fish to outlive in oxygen-depleted water, it’s a widespread false impression that this makes water modifications pointless.
That is hardly the case as these fish will endure the identical tissue harm from constructed-up toxins as some other fish. Common water modifications are a should with 25% weekly being beneficial.
Water Modifications: Weekly – Weekly water modifications of 25% are beneficial.
Thick Lipped Gourami Aquarium Setup
The Thick Lipped Gourami will swim in all elements of the aquarium. A small group might be housed in a tank as small as 15 gallons.
Bigger tanks supply more room for vegetation nevertheless, and the water shall be extra secure.
It’s fascinating to maintain the tank in a room with temperature as shut as attainable to the tank water, or threat damaging the labyrinth organ.
The tank ought to have an environment-friendly filtration system however ought to not create an excessive amount of a present.
Air stones are additionally beneficial for these fish as they like properly oxygenated waters.
These gouramis will present their colors greatest on a darkish substrate.
They’re timid fish and like a planted aquarium in order that they have of locations to cover.
Ideally, place vegetation alongside the again of the aquarium, have some floating vegetation and depart open areas within the entrance for them to swim.
As with a lot of the household, this species appreciates the duvet of floating vegetation properly.
Nevertheless, they may repeatedly breathe air on the floor so it’s necessary to have some areas unencumbered with vegetation.
Minimal Tank Measurement: 15 gal (57 L)
Appropriate for Nano Tank: Sure
Substrate Kind: Any
Lighting Wants: Reasonable – regular lighting
Temperature: 72.Zero to 83.0° F (22.2 to 28.3° C) – Preserve the encompassing room temperature per the water temperature to keep away from inflicting trauma to the labyrinth organ.
Breeding Temperature: 80.0° F – Breeding temperatures are between 80 – 84° F (26 – 29° C).
Vary ph: 6.0-7.5
Hardness Vary: 4 – 15 dGH
Brackish: No
Water Motion: Weak
Water Area: All – These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium.
Thick Lipped Gourami Social Behaviors
The Thick Lipped Gouramis are usually good group fish however they’re timid and slow-moving, so it might take a little bit of time to change into snug in an aquarium and are available out of hiding.
As soon as they’re fortunately established the male’s coloring will start to indicate.
Take nice care when choosing tankmates as very energetic or aggressive fish can simply intimidate them and infrequently out-compete them for meals.
These fish are one of many extra peaceable gouramis.
They’ll show some hierarchal conduct, however aren’t as aggressive as a number of the different fish within the group.
A small group of those fish which are about the identical measurement ought to have the ability to stay peacefully collectively.
The perfect state of affairs is to acquire a bunch of 5 or extra kids and lift them collectively.
Preserve them alone in their very own tank or sharing a tank with another calm, pleasant species.
They shouldn’t be blended with fin nippers as their trailing pelvic fins and customarily slower motion makes them an ideal sufferer.
Territorial species reminiscent of many cichlids are greatest averted too.
Don’t maintain it with its shut relative to the Banded Gourami T. fasciata, as a result of though it’s a distinct species these two can simply hybridize.
They do greatest when stored with different peaceable fish. Good tankmates are peaceable cyprinids such because the Harlequin Rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha and most of the different rasboras, danios, smaller Pethia, and Puntius species.
A few of the peaceable barbs additionally work properly, however keep away from these which are infamous fin nippers like Tiger Barbs and Clown Barbs.
Smaller loaches just like the Kuhlii Loach Pangio kuhlii and its kin, most of the Tetras, smaller catfish like Corydoras species and Otocinclus, and smaller Rainbowfish make nice tankmates.
Temperament: Peaceable – Although considerably hierarchal, these fish are not often violent in direction of one another or different fish locally aquarium.
Suitable with:
Similar species – conspecifics: Sure – They are often stored as a pair or in teams of 5 or extra people.
Peaceable fish (): Secure – These fish are very timid, so be sure that to maintain with much less boisterous fish.
Semi-Aggressive (): Risk
Aggressive (): Risk
Large Semi-Aggressive (): Risk
Large Aggressive, Predatory (): Risk
Sluggish Swimmers & Eaters (): Monitor
Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Secure – not aggressive
Crops: Secure – These fish admire a properly planted tank.
Intercourse: Sexual variations
These fish exhibit sexual dimorphism with the male turning into rather more colorful when in breeding mode.
The male may also have a pointed dorsal fin whereas the feminine’s is noticeably rounder.
Breeding / Reproduction
The Thick Lipped Gourami is, without doubt, one of the best species of gourami to breed, however, a separate tank is required.
Like most fish in this household, it’s a bubble nest builder. A pair shall be almost certainly to spawn if there’s an honest quantity of vegetation, a superb sized floor space, and the temperature is to their liking.
For a few weeks previous to spawning the pair must be separated.
Throughout this time they should be properly conditioned with small choices of stay and frozen meals on a number of occasions a day.
When properly fed, females ought to start filling out with eggs, showing very plump.
Present a breeding tank, both 10 or 20 gallons work tremendously.
The water must be shallow, with about 5″ (13 cm) being superb. Water parameters must be about 8° dGH and the temperature between 80 – 84° F (26 – 29° C).
It isn’t mandatory however you possibly can add a small gently air-powered sponge filter or some peat filtration, nevertheless, the tank present must be minimal.
They want loads of floating vegetation and/or stem vegetation grown to the floor. Cowl the tank properly to maintain the air above the water heater and humid, to assist stop harm to the labyrinth organ.
Introduce the feminine to the breeding tank a few days earlier than the male, then introduce the male.
The male will construct a giant nest that may cowl half of the aquarium floor.
Nevertheless, the nest is fragile and he doesn’t use vegetation in it, however, he’ll construct it underneath a leaf if out there.
As soon as the nest had been constructed the male will start a courtship show to entice the feminine to spawn.
He’ll swim backward and forwards, flaring his fins and elevating his tail till the feminine permits him to wrap his physique around hers.
As the feminine releases her eggs the male will instantly fertilize them.
The male will choose the eggs up in his mouth and put them in his bubble nest. The pair will then spawn once more till about 500 eggs are produced.
The feminine should be eliminated presently because the male will fiercely guard the nest and eggs.
He’ll proceed to have a tendency the nest and guard the eggs till they hatch. The eggs will hatch in about 24 – 36 hours, relying on the temperature.
After about 2 – 3 extra days the fry will change into free-swimming. That is when the male must be eliminated or he may eat the fry rising from the nest.
Free swimming fry might be fed infusoria or liquid fry meals till they’re massive sufficient to eat child brine shrimp. See the outline of breeding strategies in:
Breeding Freshwater Fish: Anabantoids. Additionally, see Fish Meals for Fry for details about varieties of meals for elevating the younger.
Ease of Breeding: Straightforward – A separate breeding tank is required.
Thick Lipped Gourami Fish Illnesses
Thick Lipped Gouramis are very hardy so illness shouldn’t be normally an issue in a properly maintained aquarium.
Some ailments they’re vulnerable to are bacterial infections, constipation, and Gap within the Head if good water high quality, vitamin, and upkeep shouldn’t be offered.
With any additions to a tank reminiscent of new fish, vegetation, substrates, and decorations there’s a threat of introducing illness.
It is advisable to correctly clear or quarantine something that you really want to add to a longtime tank previous to the introduction, in order to not upset the stability.
These fish are resilient however figuring out the indicators of sickness, and catching and treating them early makes a giant distinction. An outbreak of illness can typically be restricted to only one or a couple of fishes for those who cope with it at an early stage.
One of the best ways to proactively stop illness is to provide your fish the right atmosphere and a properly balanced weight-reduction plan. The nearer to their pure habitat the much less stress the fish can have, making them more healthy and glad.
A burdened fish will is extra prone to purchase illness. For details about freshwater fish ailments and diseases, see Aquarium Fish Illnesses and Remedies.
Thick Lipped Gourami Availability
The “true” Thick Lipped Gourami in its pure type is normally stocked in shops and online, nevertheless, it’s not seen as repeatedly because of the Sundown Thicklip Gourami selection, however, each is fairly priced, considerable for the fish lovers.
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