Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Three Spot Gourami

Trichopodus trichopterus (Pallas, 1770)

Also called Blue Gourami, Gold Gourami, Opaline Gourami, Cosby Gourami, Platinum Gourami

SpeciesShort profile

From Southeast Asia, centred on the Mekong basin (Yunnan, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam) and extending to Myanmar, Malaysia and the Indonesian islands; lives in sluggish, weedy lowland waters and flooded forests.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length10 to 15 cm1 2 3

Sizemedium

One of the hardiest aquarium fish

Many colour strains to choose from

Accepts almost any food

2 3

Looks how to spot one

Laterally compressed labyrinth fish

An oval, flat-sided fish with long feeler-like pelvic fins; the wild form is blue-grey with two dark spots on each flank, which line up with the eye to make three.3 2

Coloursblue-grey wild typebluegoldopaline (marbled)platinumlavendersilverCosby2 3

Personality what they are like

Personalities vary: many stay calm all their lives, while some males grow bolder and more territorial as they mature, so sturdy tankmates suit it best.2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Cruises the middle and upper water and rises regularly to the surface to breathe air.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very adaptable; keep the water clean and warm, cover the tank to keep humid air above the surface, and offer plants and floating cover.2 3

Home where they are happiest

At least a 90 x 30 cm base (about 80 litres), planted with some open space. Temperature about 22-30 C, pH 5.5-8.5, hardness around 3-35 dGH.2 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A true omnivore: in the wild it eats plants, algae, small invertebrates and zooplankton; in the aquarium give quality dried food with live or frozen extras.2 1

Company who they like around

Can live singly or with robust community fish like barbs and larger gouramis; one male per tank is the usual approach.2 3

The story where it all began

Described in the 18th century, it is one of the longest-known gouramis and is also a minor food fish in parts of Asia. Selective breeding has produced a wide range of colour strains, which are now seen in shops more often than the wild form.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The 'third spot' is actually its eye, lined up with two dark spots on each side.3
2
Males build bubble nests and a spawning can produce several hundred to over a thousand eggs.2
3
Wild fish migrate into flooded forests each rainy season.1
4
The lavender strain comes from crossing blue and gold forms.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 21 January 2019)1
Taxonomy: Described by Pallas in 1770 (FishBase); Wikipedia lists Linnaeus 17581

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Three Spot Gourami. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Three Spot Gourami?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Watch that your fish eats everything within a couple of minutes to avoid overfeeding.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Three Spot Gourami eat, and what should it never eat?

It is a true omnivore, so offer quality dried food plus live or frozen treats like brine shrimp or daphnia. Never feed anything that could harm it; ask your vet or a good breeder for a safe list.2 1

How much space does a Three Spot Gourami need?

It needs at least a 90 x 30 cm base, which is about 80 litres. Provide planted areas with some open swimming space.2 1

What temperature, light or water does a Three Spot Gourami need?

Keep the water temperature between 22-30°C, pH 5.5-8.5, and hardness 3-35 dGH. Normal aquarium lighting is fine, and cover the tank to keep humid air above the surface.2 1

How often should I clean a Three Spot Gourami's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water (never tap water). Test the water weekly too. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Three Spot Gourami live with others?

Yes, it can live singly or with robust community fish like barbs and larger gouramis. Keep only one male per tank to avoid aggression.2 3

How long does a Three Spot Gourami live?

Lifespan varies with care; ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations. With proper conditions, they can live several years.

Can I handle a Three Spot Gourami?

No, handling is stressful and harmful. Enjoy watching it cruise the middle and upper water and rise to breathe air. Never take it out of the water.1 2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Pearl Gourami

Moonlight Gourami

Dwarf Gourami

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

FishBase: Trichopodus trichopterus fishbase.seused for size, distribution, habitat, water, IUCN, uses
Seriously Fish: Trichopodus trichopterus seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank, water, diet, behaviour, breeding, strains
Wikipedia: Three spot gourami en.wikipedia.orgused for names, appearance, strains, distribution

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.