Banded Gourami

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment4–6 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Swim bladder disorder

The Banded or Giant Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster fasciata) comes from India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar and reaches about 10 to 13 cm. Males are orange-red with turquoise oblique bands and a pointed dorsal fin; females are silvery and rounder. Its northern range means it tolerates cooler water than most gouramis, down to about 20C. A pair or a male with two females needs 120 litres or more at 20-28C, pH 6.0 to 7.5, with planting, floating cover, calm flow and a covered tank. Feed a quality flake or pellet with frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp. Its practical advantage over the popular dwarf gourami is health: the dwarf gourami trade has long been affected by an iridovirus that causes sudden unexplained deaths, and the banded gourami, less intensively mass-bred, is noticeably more robust. Males are territorial with each other, so keep one, and give the tank sight breaks. It is a good, hardy centrepiece for a medium planted community.

• How active is a Banded Gourami?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Banded Gourami need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Banded Gourami need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Banded Gourami a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Banded Gourami live?

  4–6 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Banded Gourami?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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