About the Sunset Thicklip Gourami
Name: Sunset Thicklip Gourami
Max Size: Sunset Thicklip Gouramis can grow up to 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) in length.
Recommend pH: 6.0-7.5
Recommended Temperature (°F): 77-82°F (25-28°C)
Diet: Sunset Thicklip Gouramis are omnivorous and have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. In the aquarium, they can be fed a combination of high-quality pellets, flakes, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small insects. It's important to provide a varied diet to ensure their optimal health and vibrant colors.
Temperament: Sunset Thicklip Gouramis are generally peaceful and mild-mannered. They can be territorial during breeding or when establishing their territories, but overall, they coexist well with other peaceful community fish. Male gouramis may occasionally exhibit aggression towards each other, especially if they are kept in a small or overcrowded tank.
Schooling or Non-Schooling Fish: Sunset Thicklip Gouramis are non-schooling fish. They prefer to have their own space and territories within the aquarium. However, they can be kept in groups if the tank is large enough and provides plenty of hiding spots and visual barriers to reduce any potential aggression.
Possible types of tank mates: Sunset Thicklip Gouramis can be housed with other peaceful community fish that share similar water parameter requirements. Good tank mates include tetras, rasboras, peaceful barbs, dwarf cichlids, and small catfish species. It's important to avoid keeping them with fin-nipping or aggressive fish that may stress or harm them.
Behavior: Sunset Thicklip Gouramis are known for their graceful swimming and elegant appearance. They have a labyrinth organ, allowing them to breathe air directly from the water surface, so they may occasionally gulp air. They spend a significant amount of time near the water's surface, exploring their surroundings and creating bubble nests during breeding. They are also known for their ability to produce sounds, which they use for communication.
Fun Fact: Sunset Thicklip Gouramis are bubble nest builders. During breeding, the male constructs a floating nest at the water's surface using bubbles and plant materials. The male guards the nest and entices the female to lay eggs inside it. Once the eggs are laid, the male continues to guard and care for the nest until the fry hatch. Witnessing their unique breeding behaviors can be a fascinating experience for aquarium enthusiasts.
