Croaking Gourami

About the Croaking Gourami

The Croaking Gourami is a peaceful and fascinating freshwater fish, famous for its unique ability to produce an audible "croaking" sound during courtship and territorial displays. Native to the slow-moving swamps, rice paddies, and forest streams of Southeast Asia, this beautifully understated species features an iridescent bronze body adorned with shimmering blue-green scales and delicate horizontal stripes.

Unlike many larger gouramis, the Croaking Gourami is perfectly suited to nano and planted aquariums. They thrive in heavily planted tanks with floating plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and gentle water movement that closely replicate their natural habitat. Their inquisitive personality and peaceful nature make them excellent companions for small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, kuhli loaches, and other calm community fish.

As labyrinth fish, Croaking Gouramis can breathe atmospheric oxygen and are frequently seen visiting the water's surface. Males produce their distinctive croaking sound by vibrating specialised muscles attached to their pectoral fins, particularly during breeding displays or when establishing territory.

A varied diet of quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen foods, and live foods will keep them healthy while encouraging their natural colours and fascinating behaviour.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Trichopsis vittata

Common Name

Croaking Gourami

Origin

Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Malaysia

Adult Size

6–7 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

60 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

6.0–7.5

Water Hardness

2–15 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

4–6 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums, nano aquariums, and peaceful community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called a Croaking Gourami?

Males produce a distinctive croaking or clicking sound by vibrating specialised muscles attached to their pectoral fins during courtship and territorial displays.

Are Croaking Gouramis good for beginners?

Yes. They are hardy, peaceful, and relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginner aquarists.

What do Croaking Gouramis eat?

They readily accept quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and live foods.

Can Croaking Gouramis live with shrimp?

Adult Amano Shrimp and larger Neocaridina shrimp are generally safe, although newly hatched shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Do Croaking Gouramis need plants?

Yes. Dense planting, floating plants, driftwood, and shaded areas help them feel secure and encourage natural behaviour.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in sparsely decorated aquariums

Croaking Gouramis thrive in heavily planted aquariums with plenty of cover.

Strong water flow

They naturally inhabit calm waters and prefer gentle filtration.

Housing with aggressive fish

Avoid fin-nipping or highly active species that may stress these peaceful gouramis.

Poor water quality

Stable water conditions and regular maintenance are essential for their long-term health.

Blocking access to the surface

Like all gouramis, they require unobstructed access to the water's surface to breathe atmospheric oxygen.