fish description – Red Tail Giant Gourami Care Guide ($Osphronemus\ laticlavius$)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Osphronemus\ laticlavius$
Common Name	Red Tail Giant Gourami, Giant Red Fin Gourami
Origin	Slow-moving rivers and lakes (Malaysia, Borneo, Southeast Asia)
Adult Size	18–20 inches (45–50 cm) (Can reach 24+ inches in very large systems)
Temperament	Generally peaceful, but territorial/aggressive toward smaller fish and conspecifics
Lifespan	15–40 years
Care Level	Expert (due to size, lifespan, and bioload)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A massive, deep-bodied fish with a thick, laterally compressed body, large pectoral fins, and a slightly upturned mouth. Juveniles are patterned, but adults develop a solid grey-blue to black body with brilliant red or orange edges on the caudal, dorsal, and anal fins.
• Coloration: Body is typically gray, blue-gray, or black. Males may develop a small nuchal hump on the forehead as they mature and may show more vibrant color in the fin edges. Sexing is difficult outside of spawning.
• Fins: Large, rounded fins with striking red/orange edges. As a Labyrinth fish, it must surface to gulp air.
• Behavior: Highly intelligent and personable, often recognizing and interacting with its owner. They are territorial and can become aggressive toward smaller or similarly sized fish if not given ample space. Known for building large bubble nests near the surface.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 200 gallons (757 liters) is the absolute minimum for a single adult. Custom-built tanks of 8 feet in length or more are highly recommended, especially if attempting to keep a breeding pair.
• Schooling: Can be kept singly, in a mated pair, or a small group if the tank is immense. Aggression towards their own kind is common if space is limited.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $75^\circ$–$82^\circ\text{F}\ (24^\circ$–$28^\circ\mathrm{C})$ (stability is key).
• pH Level: Soft, slightly acidic to neutral water: 6.5 to 7.5. They are exceptionally hardy but produce a massive bioload, requiring powerful filtration (sump system highly recommended) and regular, large water changes (20–30% weekly).
• Aquascape: Requires vast open swimming space. Decorate with large, securely anchored driftwood and rocks. Live plants will be eaten or uprooted (they are herbivores), so use only very robust species (Anubias attached to wood) or artificial plants. Floating plants are appreciated for nest-building. Ensure a gap remains above the water for air gulping.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Red Tail Giant Gourami is primarily an herbivore that requires a high-fiber, vegetable-rich diet.

• Staple Diet: The diet must be predominantly vegetable matter. Use high-quality vegetable pellets or sticks formulated for herbivorous omnivores.
• Supplementation: Must receive frequent feedings of blanched fresh vegetables (lettuce, spinach, peas, zucchini). Supplement with protein (frozen shrimp, krill, earthworms) sparingly. Avoid mammalian meat (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 eat smaller fish and can become aggressive/territorial toward larger fish if the tank is too small. Will consume most soft-leaved live plants.
• Good Tank Mates: Other large, robust, and peaceful to semi-aggressive fish that occupy the mid-to-lower water column. Examples include Large Arowanas, Datnoids, Large Catfish (Plecos, Synodontis), and Large Barbs (Tinfoil Barbs).