Trichogaster Mix (Gold, Cosby, Sumatra) 4-5 cm

Overview

Trichogaster mix (gold, Cosby, Sumatra) are attractive labyrinth fish offered as a mixed selection of the popular Trichogaster trichopterus colour forms, commonly known as three-spot gouramis. At 4-5 cm, these juveniles are a great choice for aquarists looking to add colour, personality and movement to a peaceful freshwater aquarium. As they mature, each fish develops its own pattern and shade, ranging from golden tones to marbled Cosby markings and the classic darker Sumatra form.

These gouramis are well known for their hardiness and adaptability, making them suitable for both newer keepers and experienced fishkeepers who want a characterful centrepiece fish. They are surface-oriented fish with a calm, inquisitive nature, and they thrive best in a well-planted aquarium with gentle filtration and plenty of resting places near the top of the tank. Like all labyrinth fish, they can breathe atmospheric air, which helps them cope with lower-oxygen conditions, though they still require clean, well-maintained water for long-term health.

With proper care, Trichogaster gouramis can become confident, interactive aquarium residents. They are best kept in spacious tanks with peaceful tank mates and a stable environment. This mixed selection offers a lovely variety of appearance while retaining the same reliable care requirements. Order with confidence from Tropical Fish Co, with fast UK delivery and our live arrival guarantee for peace of mind.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Trichogaster trichopterus is native to mainland South-East Asia, including parts of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and surrounding regions. In the wild, these fish inhabit slow-moving waters such as marshes, floodplains, rice paddies, canals and vegetated ponds. Their natural environment is typically warm, shallow and heavily planted, with plenty of cover from roots, stems and floating vegetation.

This habitat explains much of their behaviour in the aquarium. They prefer calmer water rather than strong current, and they feel most secure when the surface is partially shaded by floating plants. Their labyrinth organ allows them to gulp air from the surface, an adaptation that helps them survive in oxygen-poor waters. Even so, aquarium conditions should still be clean and stable, as poor water quality can quickly lead to stress and disease.

The gold, Cosby and Sumatra forms are captive-bred colour varieties developed from the species in the hobby. While their appearance differs, their care remains essentially the same, and all benefit from similar tank conditions and husbandry.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

A well-planned aquarium will help these gouramis settle in and show their best colour. A minimum of 120 litres is recommended for a single fish or a compatible pair, with larger tanks preferred if keeping a group or mixed community. A longer tank is better than a tall one, as gouramis use the upper layers of the aquarium frequently and appreciate horizontal swimming space.

Use a soft, fine substrate such as sand or smooth gravel, and add plenty of live plants including Vallisneria, Cryptocoryne, Java fern and Anubias. Floating plants such as Salvinia, Amazon frogbit or water lettuce are particularly useful, as they provide cover and help reduce stress. Driftwood and branches can also be used to create a natural look and break up lines of sight.

Filtration should be efficient but gentle. Strong flow can make these fish uneasy, so aim for a calm surface and moderate circulation. Keep the aquarium tightly covered, as gouramis are known to jump and also need access to warm, humid air above the water surface. Regular maintenance is essential: carry out weekly partial water changes and monitor ammonia, nitrite and nitrate carefully.

Ideal water parameters: temperature 24-28°C, pH 6.0-8.0, with stable, clean water being more important than chasing exact numbers. They are adaptable fish, but sudden swings in temperature or chemistry should be avoided. When introducing new fish, acclimate them slowly to reduce stress.

Feeding Guide

Trichogaster gouramis are omnivores and do best on a varied diet. A quality tropical pellet or flake can form the staple, but this should be supplemented with frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae. Occasional vegetable matter is also beneficial, including spirulina-based foods or blanched greens.

Feed small portions once or twice daily, offering only what they can consume in a couple of minutes. Overfeeding can quickly affect water quality, so it is better to provide modest meals with variety. A balanced diet supports strong colour, healthy growth and good breeding condition. Juveniles in the 4-5 cm size range will benefit from smaller foods that are easy to swallow, such as crushed flakes, micro pellets and finely chopped frozen foods.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

These gouramis are generally peaceful, but males can become territorial towards one another, especially in smaller aquariums or when breeding. For this reason, it is usually best to keep a single male with one or more females, or to house them in a spacious community where territorial behaviour can be diffused. Avoid keeping multiple males together unless the aquarium is large and carefully arranged with plenty of cover.

Suitable tank mates include calm, similarly sized community fish such as rasboras, tetras, peaceful barbs, Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, kuhli loaches and other non-aggressive species. They also work well with many planted-tank companions that prefer similar warm, stable conditions. Avoid fin-nipping species, boisterous fish and very small tank mates that may be intimidated or mistaken for food.

Because they spend much of their time near the surface, it is wise to avoid overcrowding the upper water column. Give them space to breathe, feed and patrol comfortably. With the right companions and layout, they can become one of the most engaging fish in the aquarium.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we select healthy, well-conditioned livestock and pack every order with care to help ensure a smooth journey to your door. Our Trichogaster mix is supplied as a quality mixed selection of gold, Cosby and Sumatra forms, giving you a beautiful variety of colour and pattern from the same hardy species.

We understand how important confidence is when buying live fish online, which is why we offer fast UK delivery and a live arrival guarantee. Our team is committed to responsible packing, clear care information and excellent customer support, so you can enjoy your new fish with peace of mind. Whether you are building a peaceful community tank or adding a standout surface-dwelling feature fish, this Trichogaster mix is a superb choice for a planted freshwater aquarium.