Honey Gourami vs Dwarf Gourami
Many fishkeepers confuse honey gouramis with dwarf gouramis, but they are different species with important differences:
- Size: Honey gouramis are smaller (2 inches vs 3.5 inches)
- Health: Honey gouramis are not affected by Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV), a devastating disease that affects the majority of mass-bred dwarf gouramis
- Temperament: Even more peaceful than dwarf gouramis
- Color: Honey gouramis are gold/amber; dwarf gouramis are blue and red striped
If you want a small gourami, honey gouramis are the safer, hardier choice.
Tank Setup
- Tank size: 10 gallons minimum
- Plants: Heavily planted with floating plants — provides security and bubble nest sites
- Flow: Very gentle — they are small and prefer still to barely moving water
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 74–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- GH: 4–10 dGH
Diet & Feeding
Feed small foods appropriate for their tiny mouth — micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp. They are slow, deliberate eaters. In a community tank, ensure they get food before faster species consume it all.
Tank Mates
Only with small, peaceful species. Honey gouramis are shy and will be outcompeted and stressed by large or active fish. Ideal companions include ember tetras, pygmy corydoras, small rasboras, cherry shrimp, and snails. Avoid bettas — both are labyrinth fish and may conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many honey gouramis can I keep together?
A single honey gourami or a male-female pair works well in 10–15 gallons. In 20+ gallon tanks, you can keep a trio (1 male, 2 females) or small group. Multiple males may spar mildly but rarely cause harm if there's enough space and cover.