Colisa sota red 4 - (Trichogaster chuna) — 4-5cm

Overview

Red Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna red color morph), also known as Colisa Sota Red or Red Dwarf Gourami, is a vibrant, peaceful dwarf gourami that brings color and personality to planted community aquariums. Native to South Asia, especially India and Bangladesh (this is a captive-bred color form), this species is prized for its vivid red coloration, peaceful nature, and fascinating bubble-nesting behavior. Now available for sale UK from Tropical Fish Co, this stunning gourami is ideal for the planted aquarium enthusiast.

Appearance

The Red Honey Gourami typically reaches around 4.5 cm in total length, making it a small gourami. The body is robust and laterally compressed, with an intense red or orange coloration that becomes more vivid in males, especially during breeding displays. The fins are elongated and flowing, showing vivid red or orange coloration. Females are generally smaller and less colorful, showing more subdued gold or pale tones. Healthy specimens have bright, clear eyes and smooth, undamaged scales.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, the natural form of Trichogaster chuna (Honey Gourami) is native to South Asia, especially India and Bangladesh, where it inhabits slow-moving streams, ponds, marshes, and rice paddies with dense aquatic vegetation. These waters are typically soft, warm, and slightly acidic. The substrate is composed of fine mud or sand, and the fish spend much of their time among plants and cover, feeding on small invertebrates and zooplankton. This red form is a captive-bred color variant.

Aquarium Setup

A well-planted aquarium of at least 60 litres is recommended for a pair or small group of Red Honey Gouramis. Use a fine, dark substrate and incorporate plenty of live plants such as Java moss, Java fern, Cryptocoryne species, and floating plants to provide cover and subdued lighting. Filtration should be gentle, and water flow should be minimal, as gouramis prefer calm water. A secure lid is advisable. Maintain stable, warm water with neutral to slightly acidic pH.

Feeding

The Red Honey Gourami is an omnivore and thrives on a varied diet. Offer high-quality micro pellets or flakes as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Include some plant-based matter and avoid overfeeding. Feed twice daily in small amounts to maintain excellent water quality.

Behaviour

This gourami is peaceful, calm, and best kept in pairs or small groups. Males may engage in mild displays, especially during breeding, but serious aggression is rare. They spend much of their time exploring the middle and upper levels of the aquarium, and males will build bubble nests at the surface when breeding. They are generally shy and do best in a quiet, well-planted tank.

Tank Mates

The Red Honey Gourami is suitable for a peaceful community aquarium with other small fish. Good tankmates include small peaceful community fish, rasboras, small tetras, Corydoras catfish, and Otocinclus. Avoid large or aggressive fish, fin-nippers, boisterous barbs, large cichlids, and very active fast-feeding species.

Breeding

Breeding the Red Honey Gourami is achievable with careful preparation. Males build bubble nests at the surface. Provide calm water, floating plants, and a separate breeding setup for best results. The male guards the nest and fry, and the female should usually be removed after spawning.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

Tropical Fish Co is a leading UK aquatics specialist offering stunning gouramis like the Red Honey Gourami direct to your door. Every fish is quarantined, inspected, and dispatched with expert care to ensure it arrives in peak condition. With decades of experience, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer support, we make it easy to add peaceful, colorful species to your collection. Order online today and enjoy fast, reliable delivery across the UK.