Honey Dwarf Gourami

The Honey Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster chuna), also known as the Honey Gourami, is a small, peaceful freshwater fish known for its vibrant golden-yellow hue and gentle nature. Reaching only about 2 inches in length, this charming species is ideal for community tanks or nano aquariums, adding a splash of warm color without taking up much space. The Honey Dwarf Gourami displays a stunning orange to reddish hue when well-cared for, particularly in males, who develop brighter colors to attract mates. These gouramis are perfect for beginner and experienced aquarists alike due to their hardy nature, easy care requirements, and peaceful demeanor.

Honey Dwarf Gourami Care Guide
The Honey Dwarf Gourami is adaptable but thrives best in a well-maintained tank with stable water parameters. A minimum 10-gallon aquarium is suitable for a single Honey Gourami, but a larger tank of 20 gallons or more is ideal for multiple fish or a small community setup. They prefer a temperature range of 72°F to 82°F, a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, and soft to moderately hard water. These gouramis enjoy planted tanks, where plants like anubias, java fern, and floating plants provide cover and create a comfortable, low-stress environment.

Tank Setup for Honey Dwarf Gourami
Honey Gouramis are naturally shy and prefer calm, densely planted aquariums with soft lighting. Adding floating plants creates shaded areas that they love, while driftwood and rocks provide extra hiding spots. Gentle filtration is recommended, as these fish thrive in low-flow environments that replicate their natural habitats of calm rivers and ponds. Keeping the tank lid secure is essential since they occasionally come to the surface to breathe due to their labyrinth organ.

Diet and Feeding
Honey Dwarf Gouramis are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. A balanced diet of high-quality tropical flakes or micro-pellets forms the foundation of their feeding, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms to enhance their coloration and boost their health. Feed them twice daily with small amounts they can finish within a few minutes to maintain clean water quality and healthy fish.

Compatible Tank Mates for Honey Dwarf Gourami
Honey Dwarf Gouramis are one of the most peaceful gourami species, making them ideal for community tanks with other gentle, non-aggressive fish. Compatible tank mates include small schooling species like neon tetras, harlequin rasboras, Corydoras catfish, and other peaceful, nano-friendly fish. Avoid pairing them with larger, aggressive, or fin-nipping fish, as they can become stressed and hide. Honey Dwarf Gouramis also do well in pairs or small groups, but monitor male interactions, as they may exhibit minor territorial behavior, especially when breeding.

Lifespan and Health
With proper care, Honey Dwarf Gouramis can live up to 4–5 years, making them a rewarding addition to any freshwater aquarium. Regular water changes of around 20% weekly, along with consistent water quality checks, ensure their health and longevity. These gouramis are hardy but should be observed for any signs of stress or illness, as maintaining a stable, clean environment is essential for preventing common fish diseases.

Honey Dwarf Gouramis are a fantastic choice for aquarists seeking a beautiful, easy-to-care-for fish with a gentle disposition. Their eye-catching coloration, peaceful nature, and manageable size make them an excellent addition to nano and community tanks alike, adding a dash of gold to any aquarium setup.