Three-Spot Gourami: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

Three-spot gouramis, sold as blue, gold or opaline gouramis, are tough and long-lived. They can turn bossy as adults.

Adult size
5.1 in13 cm
Smallest tank
35 gallons132 liters
How many
One or more
Temperature
72–82 °F22–28 °C
pH
6–8
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Swims
Near the top
Heater needed
Yes

What size tank does a three-spot gourami need?

At least 35 gallons (132 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 37 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 trichopterus.

How many three-spot gouramis in each tank size?

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

TankHow many three-spot gouramis
5 gallonToo small
10 gallonToo small
20 gallon longToo small
29 gallonToo small
40 gallon breeder1
55 gallon1
75 gallonup to 2
125 gallonup to 3

Check three-spot gouramis against your own tank and other fish

Tank mates for three-spot 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

  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
  • Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and much bigger. Three-spot gourami would be bullied.
  • Cherry shrimp: Three-spot gourami (about 5 in) can eat cherry shrimp (about 1.2 in).

Questions and answers

What size tank does a three-spot gourami need?

At least 35 gallons (132 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 37 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many three-spot gouramis should be kept together?

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

Can three-spot gouramis live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Three-spot gourami needs at least 35 gallons (132 liters), and grows to 5 in (13 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.

What temperature do three-spot gouramis need?

72–82 °F (22–28 °C), with a pH of 6–8. In most homes that means a heater.

Can three-spot gouramis live with a betta?

Usually, yes, in a tank of 35 gallons (132 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °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.