Red Three-Spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) – 4–8cm Size Grades

Red Three-Spot Gourami is a domestic red-gold colour form of Trichopodus trichopterus, the Three-Spot Gourami. Older supplier material may use Trichogaster trichopterus, but current taxonomy places the species in Trichopodus.

One quantity supplies one unsexed fish in the selected approximate size grade. The current Shopify options range from 4–5cm to 7–8cm. These are dispatch sizes, not final adult sizes.

Red Three-Spot Gourami at a glance

Aquarium setup

Use a mature aquarium with open upper swimming space, planted or wooded sight breaks and floating cover. A single adult can use 120 litres, but 150–180 litres or more is a better choice where other fish are present or where more than one gourami is being considered.

Provide gentle to moderate filtration. Gouramis use a labyrinth organ to breathe atmospheric air, but this does not make filtration optional. Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero, with regular maintenance and good surface access.

Fit a lid while leaving a normal air space above the water. Floating plants can provide security, but do not allow the surface to become completely blocked.

Feeding

Use a varied omnivore diet based on a quality flake, granule or small pellet suitable for medium tropical fish. Rotate small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae or bloodworm in sensible portions, with some plant-based ingredients included in the wider diet.

Feed one or two modest meals each day. Gouramis are confident feeders, so avoid adding food repeatedly just because the fish approaches the glass. Remove persistent leftovers.

Tank mates

Choose robust but peaceful fish that share the same water and are not persistent fin nippers. Medium tetras, suitable barbs, Corydoras and loaches can work in a sufficiently large aquarium. Avoid tiny fish, very timid species and aggressive labyrinth fish that compete for the same upper-water territory.

Two mature male Three-Spot Gouramis can become territorial, especially in a cramped aquarium. If keeping more than one gourami, provide much more space, heavy visual cover and a separation plan.

Male and female differences

Mature males usually have a longer, more pointed dorsal fin, while females tend to show a rounder dorsal profile and a fuller body. Juvenile sexing is unreliable, so the current size grades are sold unsexed unless a future option explicitly says otherwise.

Breeding

Three-Spot Gouramis are bubble-nest breeders. A mature male builds a nest at the surface, often beneath floating cover. A breeding setup requires calm water, a conditioned female and enough cover for the female to escape male attention. After spawning, the male guards the nest and can become strongly territorial.

Red Three-Spot Gourami questions

What is the correct scientific name?

The current accepted name is Trichopodus trichopterus. Older material may use Trichogaster trichopterus.

How large do they grow?

Plan for about 12–15cm as an adult. The 4–8cm options on this product are approximate dispatch sizes.

What tank size is recommended?

Use at least 120 litres for one adult, with 150–180 litres or more preferable for a community or multiple gouramis.

Are Red Three-Spot Gouramis peaceful?

They are semi-aggressive rather than fully peaceful. Mature males can defend upper-water territory and may chase similar fish.

What temperature do they need?

Keep them in stable tropical water around 22–28°C.

What should I feed them?

Use a varied omnivore diet with quality prepared food and appropriately sized frozen or live foods.

Can I keep two males together?

It is risky in a normal community aquarium. Multiple males need substantial space, visual barriers and a plan to separate them if one fish is repeatedly targeted.

Do they need access to the surface?

Yes. Gouramis use a labyrinth organ and regularly breathe atmospheric air, so the surface must remain accessible.

Can I choose a male or female?

No sex is guaranteed by the current size variants.