Opaline Gourami Care: Complete Guide for Beginners

The Opaline Gourami is a popular freshwater fish. It’s known for its unique opalescent color and labyrinth organ, which allows it to breathe air. This makes them a great addition to your aquarium, given their easy adaptability and peaceful temperament. In this complete guide for beginners, you’ll learn everything you need to know about properly caring for and maintaining a thriving Opaline Gourami aquarium.

by Fabian

Updated: June 22, 2023 / 13 mins read

Fabian is the dedicated Chief Editor at Aquarium Nexus. From a young age, he was captivated by the vibrant world of aquatic life, leading him to accumulate over 20 years of experience in keeping and breeding various fish species. The fulfillment derived from the aquarium hobby has remained a constant throughout Fabian's life. As an expert in the field, he finds great pleasure in imparting his extensive knowledge and personal experiences to both seasoned aficionados and budding enthusiasts.

Opaline Gourami Species Profile and Identification

The Opaline Gourami, also known as the Three Spot Gourami or Blue Gourami, is a popular freshwater fish for beginner aquarists. It belongs to the Osphronemidae family and is scientifically named Trichopodus trichopterus.

To identify the Opaline Gourami, look for these characteristics:

• Color: A pale blue-green body with dark blue marbling across the body and fins
• Size: Ranges from 4 to 6 inches in adulthood, making it a moderately-sized fish
• Three spots: One on the tail, one near the center of the body, and the eye as the third spot (hence the name “Three Spot Gourami”)

In addition to their attractive appearance, Opaline Gouramis are:

• Hardy and adaptable: Can handle a range of water conditions, making them ideal for beginners learning aquarium care
• Peaceful and social: Gets along well with most other community fish, though males may show some territorial aggression
• Long-living: With proper care, Opaline Gouramis can live up to 5 years, providing you with a rewarding and long-term pet

Opaline Gouramis are great for beginner hobbyists because they have straightforward care requirements. Before diving in, make sure you know the tank setup, water conditions, diet, and other factors to maintain a healthy environment for your gourami.

Opaline Gourami Supplies

To get started with taking care of your Opaline Gourami, there are several essential supplies you’ll need. These supplies ensure that your fish stay healthy and thrive in their new environment.

• Aquarium: A minimum of 20-30 gallons is recommended for one Opaline Gourami, with additional tank size added for each additional fish. Remember to always provide enough space for your fish to grow and swim comfortably!
• Filter: A quality filter is crucial to maintaining clean water and removing harmful substances from your aquarium. Opt for a filter that provides mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration.
• Heater: Opaline Gouramis are tropical fish and require a heater to maintain water temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C). Be sure to choose a reliable heater with an accurate thermometer.
• Lighting: While these fish don’t have any special lighting requirements, a standard aquarium light provides them with a consistent day and night cycle. Ensure the light is on a timer.
• Substrate and Decorations: A fine-grained or sandy substrate is ideal, as it feels gentle on your Opaline Gourami’s delicate fins. Additionally, provide plenty of hiding spots with decorations such as rocks, caves, and driftwood, as well as aquatic plants for added security.
• Water conditioner and test kit: To ensure your fish’s health, use a water conditioner to remove harmful chemicals like chlorine from tap water. A water test kit is also necessary for monitoring water parameters.
• Fish food: Opaline Gouramis are omnivorous and have a diverse diet. This includes commercially available fish food such as high-quality flakes, pellets, as well as live or frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.

By investing in these essentials, you’ll set the foundation for a healthy and comfortable environment for your Opaline Gourami to thrive in.

Opaline Gourami Tank Setup

A proper tank setup is crucial for your Opaline Gourami’s overall health and happiness. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is required for these colorful fish, but if you plan to keep multiple gouramis, consider a larger tank.

When setting up the tank, pay attention to the following recommendations:

• Substrate: Opt for a soft, sandy substrate. This prevents potential injuries to your gouramis as they like to dig and explore the bottom of the tank.
• Plants and Decorations: Plant densely with artificial or live plants, providing plenty of hiding spots. You can also add floating plants to create dim lighting, simulating their natural habitat.
• Filtration System: Install a high-quality filter to maintain clean, healthy water. Gouramis prefer less water movement, so choose a filter with adjustable flow rate features.
• Heater and Thermometer: Provide a heater to maintain a consistent temperature of 22-28°C (72-82°F) for your Opaline Gourami. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer.

Last but not least, tank cycling is essential before introducing your Opaline Gourami. Establish a stable nitrogen cycle to prevent harmful changes in water chemistry. Performing a fishless cycle will ensure that your tank is well-balanced and ready to accommodate these unique fish.

Opaline Gourami Water Requirements

When it comes to water requirements, Opaline Gourami fish are relatively hardy, and they can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. However, maintaining stable water conditions is essential to the health and well-being of your Opaline Gourami.

• Temperature: Opaline Gourami prefer water temperatures of 72-82°F (22-28°C). It is crucial to maintain stable water temperatures to avoid stress, which can lead to illnesses.
• pH Level: The ideal pH range for an Opaline Gourami tank is 6.0-8.0. Make sure to test your tank’s pH regularly and adjust it accordingly to keep your gourami happy and healthy.

Keep an eye on the following water parameters as well:

• Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Ammonia and nitrite levels in the tank should be kept at 0 ppm (parts per million). Nitrate levels should not exceed 20 ppm.
• Water Hardness: Opaline Gourami can adapt to different levels of water hardness but strive for a range of 5-20 dGH (degrees of General Hardness).

Here are some steps to ensure excellent water quality for your Opaline Gourami:

1. Regular Water Changes: Perform 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain water parameters in the ideal range. This also prevents buildup of toxins and organic waste.
2. Use a High-Quality Aquarium Filter: Invest in a good filter that provides efficient biological filtration to maintain the nitrogen cycle in your tank.
3. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly test water parameters and make adjustments when needed.

Providing your Opaline Gourami with the right water conditions is essential in ensuring their health and well-being. By following the guidelines above, you will create a safe and thriving environment for your fish.

Opaline Gourami Diet and Feeding

When it comes to feeding your Opaline Gourami, it’s essential to provide them with a varied and balanced diet for a healthy life. This fish is an omnivore, meaning it consumes both plant-based and animal-based foods.

• Commercial flakes/pellets: A good quality, nutrient-rich fish food will form the basis of your Opaline Gourami’s diet.
• Live and frozen foods: Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia for additional nutrition.
• Vegetable matter: Include some veggies, like spirulina, blanched vegetables, or even finely chopped leafy greens, so your fish receive essential nutrients.

Feeding frequency is another critical aspect of your pet’s care. Feed your Opaline Gourami 2 to 3 times per day, making sure they can consume the offered food within 2 to 3 minutes.

Remember that overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems, so avoid giving them excessive amounts. Monitor your fish as they eat to ensure they are consuming the right amount and adjust portions accordingly. Keep in mind that feeding your fish a variety of foods is vital to ensuring they receive necessary vitamins and nutrients.

Pro Tip: Soak freeze-dried foods in tank water for a few minutes before feeding to avoid air ingestion from dry food, which can lead to digestion issues in your Opaline Gourami.

A balanced diet consisting of quality commercial food, live or frozen food, and vegetable matter, fed 2 to 3 times daily, will contribute to the overall health and well-being of your Opaline Gourami. Regular monitoring of their eating habits and adjusting portions as needed is crucial to maintaining optimal health.

Opaline Gourami Care Schedule

Creating a consistent care schedule for your Opaline Gourami will help keep them healthy, happy, and stress-free. By following a routine, you ensure that all aspects of their care are being met on a regular basis.

Daily tasks:

• Check the water temperature to ensure it remains between 72-82°F (22-28°C).
• Feed your Gouramis 2-3 times per day, providing small portions that they can finish within a couple of minutes.
• Observe your fish for any signs of stress, illness, or injury and address concerns accordingly.

Weekly tasks:

• Test the water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
• Perform a 10-20% water change to help maintain water chemistry and keep waste levels in check. Properly adjust the temperature and treat new water with a dechlorinator before adding it to the tank.
• Clean the aquarium glass using an appropriate aquarium sponge or magnetic cleaner.

Monthly tasks:

• Check your filter system, maintaining proper water flow and cleaning or replacing media when necessary.
• Trim and maintain aquatic plants to ensure optimal growth and prevent overcrowding.
• Inspect all tank equipment for proper function, such as heaters, filters, and lighting.

By consistently following this Opaline Gourami care schedule, you can create an enriching environment that allows these beautiful fish to thrive. As a beginner, setting reminders or keeping a log can help you stay committed to your fishkeeping duties, ensuring the well-being of your new aquatic companions.

Opaline Gourami Health Problems

Just like any fish, Opaline Gouramis can face a wide range of health problems. By understanding and recognizing these issues, you can take the necessary action to help your fish.

• Ich (Ichthyophthirius): Ich is a common parasite that affects freshwater fish. Symptoms include tiny white spots (resembling grains of salt) on the body and fin, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. To treat Ich, gradually raise the tank temperature to 86°F (30°C) and add aquarium salt or commercial Ich treatment.
• Fin Rot: Fin Rot is a bacterial infection that causes the fins to have a ragged appearance and disintegrate. Maintain good water quality, remove any dead plants or debris, and use a commercial antibacterial treatment to address this issue.
• Swim Bladder Disease: Symptoms include erratic swimming or inability to swim upright. Provide frozen peas (shelled and thawed) as a dietary fiber source to help alleviate the issue and avoid overfeeding.
• Skin Flukes and Gill Flukes: These parasites cause excessive mucus production, respiratory distress, and inflamed gill covers. Use commercial treatments designed for flukes and maintain good water quality to prevent future infections.

To prevent these health issues:

• Maintain clean, stable water conditions by performing regular water changes and testing the water parameters regularly.
• Provide a well-balanced diet and avoid overfeeding.
• Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main aquarium to prevent the spread of diseases.

By following these preventative measures and prompt action if you notice any problems, you’ll ensure that your Opaline Gourami has a long, healthy life.

Opaline Gourami Tank Mates

When setting up a community tank with Opaline Gouramis, you need to carefully select their tank mates. These fish can be somewhat territorial and aggressive, so you’ll want to choose compatible species that can coexist harmoniously.

Here are some suitable tank mates for your Opaline Gourami:

• Tetras: These small, schooling fish are generally peaceful and can share the tank with gouramis, given that they are not too small to be considered prey. Species like Neon Tetras, Rummy-nose Tetras, and Cardinal Tetras are good options.
• Corydoras Catfish: These bottom-dwelling fish are friendly and peaceful, making them ideal companions for the Opaline Gourami. They help maintain tank cleanliness by scavenging for leftover food and decaying plant matter.
• Other Gourami species: As long as they are not of the dwarf variety, other Gourami species, like the Pearl Gourami or Honey Gourami, make suitable tank mates for the Opaline Gourami.
• Rainbowfish: These colorful and peaceful schooling fish can coexist with Opaline Gouramis without experiencing any aggression issues.
• Loaches: Clown Loaches and Kuhli Loaches are good choices, as they are peaceful and tend to stick to the bottom of the tank.

Avoid aquarium species that tend to be aggressive or territorial, such as cichlids or larger fish species that may prey on your Gourami. Additionally, avoid placing Opaline Gouramis with extremely timid and slow-moving fish, as they might get bullied or outcompeted for food.

Remember that a well-decorated tank with hiding spots and sufficient swimming space encourages a peaceful environment and reduces territorial behavior.

By choosing the right tank mates and maintaining a proper tank environment, your Opaline Gourami will coexist happily with its neighbors, resulting in a healthy, thriving community aquarium.

Opaline Gourami Breeding

Breeding Opaline Gouramis can be a rewarding experience, as long as you take the necessary precautions and create the perfect environment for your fish. To start, it’s crucial to set up a separate breeding tank.

• Choose a 10 to 20-gallon tank with a heater and sponge filter.
• Keep the water temperature between 78-82°F (25.5-27.8°C) and maintain a pH level of 6.0-7.5.

Make the breeding tank comfortable for your fish by providing ample hiding spots, such as plants and rocks. Additionally, provide enough light for your fish, but not too bright to cause stress. This is necessary since the male builds a bubble nest for the eggs.

To prepare your Opaline Gouramis for breeding, it’s important to feed them a high-quality diet rich in live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. This will help enhance their colors and promote their overall health. Observe your fish closely to identify a pair, looking for males with more vibrant colors and females with a larger, rounded belly.

Once the pair is introduced in the breeding tank, the male will create a bubble nest, and courtship will begin. When the female releases the eggs, the male will fertilize and collect them, placing them in the bubble nest. Remember to remove the female after spawning to prevent her from eating the eggs.

At this point, you should also ensure the water level in the tank is lowered to around 6 inches to facilitate easier access to the nest. Within 24-48 hours, the eggs will hatch, and the fry will stay close to the bubble nest. After about three days, they will be swimming freely. Make sure to feed the fry with nutritious food, such as infusoria or baby brine shrimp.

With patience and proper care, you’ll soon be able to enjoy the experience of breeding and raising Opaline Gouramis.

Conclusion

With the proper tank setup, water requirements, diet, and care schedule, your opaline gourami will thrive in your aquarium. Feel free to leave a comment and share your experience or ask any questions you might have about taking care of opaline gouramis.