3 Spot Gourami

Spot Gouramis (commonly known as Three-Spot Gouramis) are hardy and peaceful freshwater fish that can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium. Here’s a guide on how to care for them:

Tank Setup

1. Tank Size:

   • Minimum tank size: 30 gallons (113 liters) for a small group (3–4 fish). They need swimming space and room to establish territories.

2. Water Parameters:

   • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
   • pH: 6.0–8.0
   • Hardness: 5–35 dGH
   • Ensure stable water parameters, as fluctuations can stress them.

3. Filtration and Aeration:

   • Use a gentle filter (sponge filter or one with adjustable flow) as gouramis prefer calm water.
   • Regular water changes (20–30% weekly) are essential to maintain water quality.

4. Tank Décor:

   • Add plants (real or artificial) like Java Fern, Anubias, or floating plants (e.g., Duckweed or Amazon Frogbit) to mimic their natural habitat.
   • Provide hiding spots with driftwood, rocks, or caves for them to retreat.

5. Lighting:

   • Moderate lighting. Spot Gouramis aren’t particularly sensitive to light, but subdued lighting can help them feel more secure.

Feeding

1. Diet:

   • Omnivorous. Provide a varied diet of:
     • High-quality flakes or pellets.
     • Live or frozen foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia.
     • Vegetables: Blanched spinach, peas, or zucchini.
   • Rotate foods for balanced nutrition.

2. Feeding Frequency:

   • Feed 1–2 times daily, giving only what they can consume in about 2 minutes.

Behavior and Compatibility

1. Social Behavior:

   • Spot Gouramis are semi-aggressive, especially males. Keep a ratio of one male to multiple females if possible to minimize aggression.
   • They may chase other fish occasionally, but they are generally peaceful in a well-planned community tank.

2. Tank Mates:

   • Choose peaceful tank mates of similar size, such as:
     • Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, or peaceful barbs.
     • Avoid fin-nipping species like Tiger Barbs.
     • Avoid aggressive or overly shy tank mates.

Breeding

1. Setup:

   • Provide a separate breeding tank with a lower water level (6–8 inches) and plenty of plants or floating materials.
   • The male builds a bubble nest for the eggs.

2. Process:

   • Condition the fish with live foods.
   • Once the female lays eggs, the male will tend to the nest. Remove the female after spawning to prevent aggression.
   • Remove the male after the fry hatch and begin swimming freely to protect them from being eaten.

Additional Tips

• Spot Gouramis are labyrinth fish, meaning they can breathe air from the surface. Ensure there’s open space at the top of the tank.
• Observe for signs of disease or stress (e.g., clamped fins, erratic swimming) and address issues promptly.
• Avoid overcrowding the tank, as it can lead to territorial disputes.

With proper care, Spot Gouramis can live for 4–6 years, bringing beauty and calmness to your aquarium.