Opaline Gourami

The opaline gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) is a beginner-friendly freshwater fish with a lot to offer aquarists of any skill level. Sometimes called the marbled gourami, this fish is not naturally occurring. It’s a product of selective breeding and is considered a distinct variation of the famous three-spot gourami.

Most fish are considered “mature” when they reach about three inches. At that point, they are capable of breeding. They usually continue to grow a bit until they reach the upper end of the size spectrum.In good living conditions, the typical opaline gourami lifespan is between four and six years.

For adult opaline gouramis, it’s best to stick with aquariums that can hold 35 gallons of water or more. You can keep juveniles in tanks as small as 20 gallons. But as they get bigger, you’ll need to upgrade to accommodate their playful behavior and vigorous swimming habits.

Fortunately, opaline gouramis are also hardy! They can adapt well to a wide range of parameters, giving you a little leeway in setting up the tank.

Water temperature: 73°F to 82°F
pH levels: 6.0 to 8.8 (near neutral is best)
Water hardness: 5 to 35 dGH

The opaline gourami is a hungry omnivore that will consume just about anything you provide. They do best on a balanced diet of algae-based foods and protein-filled snacks.