Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Giant Gourami
Osphronemus goramy Lacepède, 1801
Also called Ikan gurami (Malay/Indonesian), Gourami
From Southeast Asia: probably Sumatra, Borneo, Java, the Malay Peninsula, Thailand and Indochina (Mekong basin), in swamps, large rivers, lakes and still waters; widely introduced elsewhere for food farming.123
At a glance the quick version
Seriously Fish states it can live for over 20 years
Looks how to spot one
Scaled, deep-bodied, compressed labyrinth fish
A very large, deep-bodied fish that can darken to nearly black when spawning. Mature males develop a hump above the eyes and pointed dorsal and anal fins. The wild form is darker, and golden and pink forms are also bred.32
Personality what they are like
A confident fish that develops a personality and responds to its keeper. It is peaceful with other large fish but will see small fish as food.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Grows quickly and needs a lot of space to swim and turn comfortably as an adult.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A very large tank or pond with strong filtration and frequent water changes. Plan for its adult size before buying a juvenile.2
Home where they are happiest
Adults need at least 183 x 61 cm of floor space (about 680 litres), and more is better. Temperature 20-30 °C, pH 6.5-8.0, hardness 5-25 dGH.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. In the wild it eats plants, fish, frogs, earthworms and carrion. In captivity it takes pellets, frozen foods and plenty of vegetable matter.123
Company who they like around
Keep only with large, robust fish that cannot fit in its mouth.2
The story where it all began
Bernard de Lacepède described it in 1801. People have moved it around Southeast Asia since ancient times as a prized food fish, and in the 1800s Cuvier promoted introducing it to French colonies.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is one of the most highly valued freshwater food fish in Southeast Asian markets, partly because it has no fine bones.3
- 2
It can grow to around 70-80 cm long.1
- 3
It builds a large nest from plant material rather than just bubbles.2
- 4
It has been used to control invasive water plants such as giant salvinia.3
- 5
Kept well, it can live for more than 20 years.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 21 January 2019)1
- Taxonomy
- Family Osphronemidae; described by Lacepède in 18011
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Giant Gourami. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseevery 2 weeks
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Giant Gourami?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed your Giant Gourami once daily. As an omnivore, it will enjoy a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and vegetable matter.123 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Giant Gourami eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Giant Gourami is an omnivore and in captivity thrives on pellets, frozen foods, and plenty of vegetable matter. What it should never eat varies by individual; ask your vet or a good breeder for specific foods to avoid.123
How much space does a Giant Gourami need?
Adults need at least 183 x 61 cm of floor space, which is about 680 litres, and more is better. This large, fast-growing fish needs plenty of room to swim and turn comfortably.21
What temperature, light or water does a Giant Gourami need?
Keep the water temperature between 20-30 °C, pH 6.5-8.0, and hardness 5-25 dGH. Lighting needs vary; ask your exotic-pet vet or a good breeder for guidance on your setup.21
How often should I clean a Giant Gourami's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a 30-50% water change every 7 days and rinsing the filter every 14 days. Strong filtration is essential for this large fish.2 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Giant Gourami live with others?
Yes, it is peaceful with other large, robust fish that cannot fit in its mouth. Avoid small fish, as it will see them as food.23
How long does a Giant Gourami live?
With proper care, your Giant Gourami can live up to 20 years. It's a long-term companion that grows quickly, so plan for its adult size from the start.2
Can I handle a Giant Gourami?
Giant Gouramis are not meant to be handled; they are fish that prefer to stay in the water. Handling can stress them and damage their protective slime coat. Enjoy observing their confident personality instead.
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.
You might also like
Kissing Gourami
Snakeskin Gourami
Banded GouramiWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Osphronemus goramy, Giant gourami fishbase.seused for max length, distribution, habitat, water ranges, IUCN status, uses, breeding biology, author and year
- Seriously Fish: Osphronemus goramy (Giant Gourami) seriouslyfish.comused for standard length, native range, habitat, tank size, temperature, pH, hardness, diet, compatibility, sexing, breeding
- Wikipedia: Giant 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.