Red Robin Labiosa Gourami

Trichogaster labiosa (Thick-lipped Gourami) is a peaceful, hardy freshwater fish native to India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Reaching up to 9–10 cm in length, they are celebrated in the aquarium hobby for their subtle, earthy colors and distinctive "thick lips." Males display striking red-and-blue stripes, while females are more silvery and rounded.

Key Species Overview

• Care Level: Easy to moderate; perfect for community tanks.
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 liters (approx. 20 gallons) for a pair or small group.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful, though males can be mildly territorial. Avoid keeping with boisterous or fin-nipping species.

Ideal Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH Range: 6.0 to 7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (4–15 dGH)

Diet & Behavior

• Diet: Omnivorous. They thrive on high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms.
• Labyrinth Organ: Like other gouramis, they possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. They require unimpeded access to the water's surface and a tank cover with air space to allow the organ to develop and function properly.

Breeding & Tank Setup

They are bubble nest builders. Males will construct nests at the surface, usually amongst floating vegetation. To make them feel secure and promote spawning, the aquarium should be densely planted with minimal water flow and dim lighting.