Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Banded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Also called Striped gourami, Giant gourami (ambiguous), Kholshe, Colisa fasciata (former name)
From South Asia: Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh and upper Myanmar, in sluggish rivers, ditches, ponds, lakes and rice paddies, usually among plenty of vegetation.12
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Scaled, elongated, strongly compressed labyrinth fish
A flat-sided gourami with a greenish base colour and slanting orange or bluish bars running down and back from the back toward the anal fin. Males are much more colourful and grow pointed dorsal and anal fins; females stay smaller and plainer.132
Personality what they are like
A somewhat shy but hardy fish that settles well into a community tank. Males can squabble around breeding time, so give them room.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A calm swimmer that likes still water and visits the surface to breathe air.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep water movement low and the tank well planted with floating plants for shade. Regular partial water changes.2
Home where they are happiest
Tank with a base of about 75 x 30 cm (around 70 litres) for a pair, heavily planted with dark substrate and driftwood. Temperature 21-28 °C, pH 6.0-7.5, hardness 5-15 dGH.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An unfussy omnivore that takes dried foods, with live and frozen foods offered regularly for the best colour.2
Company who they like around
Fine with rasboras, danios, barbs, loaches and smaller catfish. Avoid keeping it with the thick-lipped gourami, as the two can interbreed.2
The story where it all began
Marcus Bloch and Johann Schneider described it in 1801, and it is the type species of the genus Trichogaster. It is a food fish in its native countries and is also exported as an ornamental fish.32
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is sometimes called the giant gourami, although that name more often means the much larger Osphronemus goramy.3
- 2
It is the largest species in the genus Trichogaster.2
- 3
The male blows a bubble nest and guards the eggs, which hatch in about 24-36 hours.2
- 4
Both a food fish and an aquarium fish, it is exported for its colourful pattern.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed January 2010)1
- Taxonomy
- Type species of the genus Trichogaster; formerly Colisa fasciata3
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Banded 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 Banded Gourami?
Feed your Banded Gourami small amounts once or twice a day, every day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests this routine to keep them healthy. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact portions.2 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Banded Gourami eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Banded Gourami is an unfussy omnivore that enjoys dried foods, with live and frozen foods offered regularly for the best colour. Avoid feeding it anything not meant for fish, and never give it foods with added spices, salt, or human treats.2
How much space does a Banded Gourami need?
A tank with a base of about 75 x 30 cm (around 70 litres) is recommended for a pair. This gives them room to swim and for males to have their own space during breeding.2
What temperature, light or water does a Banded Gourami need?
Keep the water temperature between 21-28 °C, with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and hardness of 5-15 dGH. Provide low water movement and a well-planted tank with floating plants for shade.2
How often should I clean a Banded Gourami's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly partial water change of about 25%, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Banded Gourami live with others?
Yes, it is fine with rasboras, danios, barbs, loaches, and smaller catfish. Avoid keeping it with the thick-lipped gourami, as they can interbreed.2
How long does a Banded Gourami live?
Your Banded Gourami can live up to 4 years with proper care. Providing a calm, clean environment helps them thrive.3
Can I handle a Banded Gourami?
It is best not to handle your Banded Gourami, as it is a shy fish that prefers calm waters. Handling can stress them and damage their delicate scales.21
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.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Trichogaster fasciata, Banded gourami fishbase.seused for max length, distribution, habitat, water ranges, IUCN status, uses, breeding biology, author and year
- Seriously Fish: Trichogaster fasciata (Banded Gourami) seriouslyfish.comused for standard length, native range, habitat, tank size, temperature, pH, hardness, diet, compatibility, sexing, breeding
- Wikipedia: Banded gourami en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, description, taxonomy and history, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.