Moonlight Gourami: Tank Size, Tank Mates & How Many to Keep

What size tank does a moonlight gourami need?

At least 30 gallons (114 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Trichopodus microlepis.

How many moonlight gouramis in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if moonlight gouramis are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Tank	How many moonlight gouramis
5 gallon	Too small
10 gallon	Too small
20 gallon long	Too small
29 gallon	1
40 gallon breeder	up to 2
55 gallon	up to 3
75 gallon	up to 4
125 gallon	up to 8

Check moonlight gouramis against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

Skittish. Give it plant cover and calm tankmates.

Tank mates for moonlight gouramis

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

Neon tetra: Moonlight gourami (about 6 in) can eat neon tetra (about 1.4 in).
Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as moonlight gourami.
Molly: They need different water: Moonlight gourami likes a pH of 6–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.

Questions and answers

What size tank does a moonlight gourami need?

At least 30 gallons (114 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many moonlight gouramis should be kept together?

One is fine. A moonlight gourami does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.

Can moonlight gouramis live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Moonlight gourami needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters), and grows to 6 in (15 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.

What temperature do moonlight gouramis need?

77–86 °F (25–30 °C), with a pH of 6–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.

Can moonlight gouramis live with a betta?

Usually, yes, in a tank of 30 gallons (114 liters) or more. They like the same water: 77–82 °F (25–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.