Trichogaster trichopterus red - Tropical Fish for Sale UK

Red is not the colour most aquarists picture when they think of this dependable gourami — which is precisely the appeal. Trichogaster trichopterus red dresses one of the hobby's most reliable labyrinth fish in red, and underneath the unusual colourway sits the same easy-going Southeast Asian species keepers have trusted for decades, hailing from Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Practicalities first: it reaches roughly 15 cm, lives around five years, and wants an aquarium of 120 litres or more. Water chemistry is wide open — 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0 and 5–20 dGH — while an omnivorous menu of flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and vegetable matter keeps it in condition. Expect to see it most often in the upper reaches of the tank, and if conditions please it, expect a large bubble nest too; breeding carries an easy rating.

Its semi-aggressive label mostly concerns its own kind: males are territorial, so the one-male-per-tank rule applies, kept solo or with females. Beyond that it slots into robust communities of medium barbs, large tetras, Corydoras and loaches without drama. Spare it the company of other male gouramis, small delicate species and slow long-finned fish. It is worth noting where this strain sits in the family line-up: the species is normally traded in blue, gold, opaline and silver varieties, which makes a true red form a genuine rarity on UK stock lists — check your existing community against the avoid-list above and move quickly if it fits.

Trichogaster trichopterus red — what it needs

• Maximum size: roughly 15 cm
• Care difficulty: easy
• Temperament: semi-aggressive, one male per tank
• Conditions: 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, 5–20 dGH
• Tank size: from 120 litres
• Menu: flakes, pellets, frozen foods and vegetable matter
• Position: upper levels; builds bubble nests
• Longevity: about 5 years

Making the most of the red strain

Pick this fish to put a splash of unexpected colour at the surface of a medium-to-large community without adding any extra difficulty to your weekly routine. Hardy enough for newer keepers, scarce enough to interest old hands. It ships under our live arrival guarantee in the care of a licensed live-animal courier.