fish description – Albino Red Eye Giant Gourami Care Guide ($Osphronemus\ goramy$ ‘Albino’ Strain)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Osphronemus\ goramy$ (‘Albino’ Strain)
Common Name	Albino Giant Gourami, Golden Giant Gourami (trade name)
Origin	Southeast Asia (Selectively Bred Strain)
Adult Size	24–30 inches (60–75 cm) (Can exceed 2 feet)
Temperament	Peaceful for its size; semi-aggressive, territorial towards smaller fish/conspecifics
Lifespan	15–20+ years
Care Level	Expert (due to massive size, bioload, and long-term commitment)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A massive, deep-bodied fish with a round/oval shape, large scales, and a prominent head/forehead. The Albino trait results in a pale pinkish-white body and bright red eyes. This fish is known for its high intelligence and personable behavior.
• Coloration: Uniformly pale white/yellow/pink with red eyes. Males are generally larger, may develop a pronounced nuchal hump, and have longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins. Females are rounder-bodied.
• Fins: Large, rounded fins. As a Labyrinth fish, it must surface to gulp air.
• Behavior: Highly intelligent and can recognize and interact with its owner. They are active swimmers, producing a large amount of waste. They are herbivores and will readily eat live plants.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 300 gallons (1135 liters) is the absolute minimum for a single adult. Custom-built tanks of 8 feet in length or more are highly recommended. A secure lid is needed to prevent jumping and to maintain a warm air gap.
• Schooling: Best kept singly or in a mated pair. Highly territorial toward other Giant Gouramis.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $75^\circ$–$86^\circ\text{F}\ (24^\circ$–$30^\circ\mathrm{C})$ (stability is crucial).
• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral/alkaline: 6.0 to 8.0. They produce a massive bioload, requiring powerful filtration (sump system preferred) and large, frequent water changes (30–50% weekly). Water flow should be moderate to slow.
• Aquascape: Requires vast open swimming space. Decorate with large, securely anchored driftwood and rocks. Do not use live plants unless they are exceptionally tough, as the fish will graze on them. Substrate is optional; bare bottom or sand is easiest for cleaning.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Albino Giant Gourami is a large omnivore/herbivore that requires a high-fiber diet.

• Staple Diet: The diet must be predominantly vegetable matter. Use high-quality vegetable pellets, spirulina sticks, and high-fiber formulated foods.
• Supplementation: Must receive frequent feedings of blanched fresh vegetables (lettuce, spinach, peas, zucchini). Supplement with protein (frozen shrimp, earthworms) sparingly. Avoid fatty mammalian meats (beef heart).
• Schedule: Feed 1–2 times daily. Their diet is prone to causing digestive issues if insufficient fiber is given.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Will consume most soft-leaved live plants. They are generally peaceful but will eat smaller fish (Neon Tetras, etc.) and can become aggressive toward large, similarly shaped fish if the tank is too small.
• Good Tank Mates: Other large, robust, non-aggressive fish. Examples include Large Arowanas, Datnoids, Large Catfish (Plecos, Synodontis, Knifefish), and large Barbs (Tinfoil).