Sunset Thicklip Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) - Tank Bred

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The Sunset Thicklip Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) is a peaceful, beautifully colored labyrinth fish that makes a fantastic centerpiece for a well-planted community aquarium. This tank-bred variety features warm golden-orange hues with subtle iridescence, making it a standout addition to any freshwater setup. Known for their gentle nature and fascinating behaviors, these gouramis are easy to care for and thrive in a variety of water conditions.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Vibrant Sunset Colors – Stunning golden-orange body with subtle metallic sheen.
• Peaceful and Hardy – Excellent choice for community tanks with compatible tank mates.
• Intelligent and Curious – Interactive personality, often recognizing their keepers.
• Labyrinth Fish – Can breathe atmospheric air, allowing them to thrive in various conditions.

Natural Habitat:

The Sunset Thicklip Gourami originates from slow-moving rivers, ponds, and floodplains in India and Bangladesh. In the wild, they inhabit dense vegetation, shallow waters, and areas with abundant floating plants, which provide shelter and a sense of security. Their ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments.

Aquascaping:

• Plants: Ideal for heavily planted tanks with species like Java Fern, Amazon Swords, Cryptocorynes, and Floating Plants (e.g., Frogbit, Water Lettuce).
• Hardscape: Enjoys a mix of driftwood, smooth river stones, and leaf litter for natural aesthetics.
• Botanicals: Indian Almond Leaves or Alder Cones provide tannins for a more natural blackwater effect.

Diet and Feeding:

The Sunset Thicklip Gourami is an omnivore that thrives on a varied diet:

• Staple Diet: High-quality flakes or micro pellets.
• Protein Treats: Frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
• Vegetable Matter: Spirulina-based flakes, blanched zucchini, and peas.

Feeding a mix of plant-based and protein-rich foods enhances their coloration and supports optimal health.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

• Best Tank Mates:
  ✅ Peaceful community fish like Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, and small Loaches.
  ✅ Compatible with Dwarf Cichlids (such as Apistogramma) and other labyrinth fish with caution.
  ✅ Snails and larger shrimp like Amano Shrimp may coexist safely.

• Species to Avoid:
  ❌ Fin-nipping species like Tiger Barbs.
  ❌ Aggressive or overly active fish that may stress them out.
  ❌ Very small shrimp (like Neocaridina) may be at risk of being eaten.

Shrimp Safe?

🔸 Caution Advised – Larger shrimp like Amano Shrimp are usually safe, but dwarf shrimp (Neocaridina) may be at risk, especially juveniles. If keeping with shrimp, provide dense plants and hiding spaces.

Breeding:

The Sunset Thicklip Gourami is a bubble nest builder. Males construct floating nests using saliva and plant materials, where the female will deposit eggs. After spawning, males guard the eggs until they hatch. Breeding requires warmer temperatures (78-82°F) and a well-structured tank with floating plants to encourage nest-building.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 72° - 82° F (22° - 28° C)
• pH: 6.0 - 7.5
• KH: 2 - 10 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous; benefits from a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and live/frozen foods.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful but can be territorial with other gouramis; best kept singly or in compatible groups.
• Origin: Tank-Bred.
• Average Adult Size: 3.5 - 4 inches (8.9 - 10.2 cm).
• Average Purchase Size: 1.5 - 2.5 inches (3.8 - 6.4 cm).

Live Arrival Guarantee:

All Aquatic Arts fish come with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee!