Sunset Thick-Lipped Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa)
The Sunset Thick-Lipped Gourami is a brilliantly colored freshwater fish admired for its vibrant orange, gold, and red hues, peaceful temperament, and hardy nature. This selectively bred color variety of the Thick-Lipped Gourami brings warm, sunset-like colors to any aquarium while retaining the species' calm personality and easy care requirements. Its graceful swimming and inquisitive behavior make it an outstanding centerpiece for planted community aquariums.
Native to slow-moving rivers, ponds, and flooded forests of Myanmar, the wild Thick-Lipped Gourami inhabits heavily vegetated waters with gentle currents. The Sunset variety thrives in similar aquarium conditions, appreciating densely planted areas, floating plants, driftwood, and open swimming space. As a labyrinth fish, it can breathe atmospheric air and benefits from calm water with access to the surface.
Sunset Thick-Lipped Gouramis are omnivores that eagerly accept high-quality tropical flakes, floating pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and occasional vegetable-based foods. A varied diet helps maintain their vivid coloration and supports overall health and longevity.
These gouramis are generally peaceful and make excellent tank mates for tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, rainbowfish, loaches, peaceful livebearers, and other non-aggressive community fish. While males may occasionally display territorial behavior toward one another during breeding, they are considerably more peaceful than many other gourami species.
Scientific Name: Trichogaster labiosa
Common Name: Sunset Thick-Lipped Gourami
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Adult Size: Up to 4 Inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Origin: Myanmar (Captive-Bred Color Variety)
If you're looking for a colorful, peaceful, and easy-to-care-for centerpiece fish, the Sunset Thick-Lipped Gourami is an exceptional choice. Its brilliant sunset coloration, calm disposition, and compatibility with a wide range of community fish make it a beautiful addition to planted freshwater aquariums.
