Giant Red Tail Gouramis, Trichopodus trichopterus, are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish. These colorful, hardy fish have spectacular red tails and are relatively easy to care for. They can make a great addition to any freshwater community tank.
This guide will provide an overview of the Giant Red Tail Gourami, including their appearance and behavior, lifespan, tank requirements, tank mates, diet and feeding, and breeding.
With the right knowledge and resources, you can provide a safe and healthy environment for your Giant Red Tail Gourami.
Overview and Quick facts
Here are some quick facts about Giant Red Tail Gourami:
- Description:
- Lifespan:
- With proper care, Giant Red Tail Gourami can live for over 20 years1.
- Habitat:
- Diet:
- Behavior:
- IUCN Red List Status:
- Not evaluated4.
- Other Names:
- Aquarium Care:
- Requires a large aquarium of at least 100 gallons with plenty of hiding spots and vegetation125.
- Water temperature should be kept between 75-82°F, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5126.
- Regular water changes and maintenance are necessary to maintain optimal water quality6.
In this overview of the Giant Red Tail Gourami, we will discuss the key facts and features to consider when caring for this freshwater fish.
The Giant Red Tail Gourami is a large, colorful fish that can reach a maximum size of 12 inches. It is native to the slow-moving, tropical waters of South and Southeast Asia.
When it comes to caring for this species, tank size is of utmost importance. A Giant Red Tail Gourami requires at least a 125 gallon tank to ensure it has enough space to swim and thrive.
Furthermore, the water conditions need to be kept stable. This species prefers a temperature of 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit, a pH of 6.5-7.5, and a hardness of 5-19 dGH. Ample filtration is also necessary to maintain good water quality.
Lastly, it is important to provide a variety of hiding places, such as caves and rockwork, along with plenty of vegetation.
Appearance & Behavior
Frequently, the Giant Red Tail Gourami is a captivating fish with unique traits and behaviors. These fish have a variety of colorations including metallic green, yellow, and black. The reddish tail is the most distinctive feature, which is why the fish is named the Giant Red Tail Gourami. The size of these fish is fairly large, with adults reaching up to 10 inches in length.
In terms of behavior, the Giant Red Tail Gourami has a peaceful temperament and likes to live in groups. They are social fish that prefer to be around other fish of their species, making them ideal for community tanks. It is important to give the fish plenty of space in the tank, as they prefer to swim in open waters.
When it comes to coloration preferences, the Giant Red Tail Gourami prefers darker backgrounds and hiding places. This helps the fish feel secure and less stressed. When it comes to social interaction, these fish can be shy and timid. They can be intimidated by other aggressive fish and prefer to keep to themselves.
Lifespan
With proper care, Giant Red Tail Gouramis can live for up to six years. However, their actual lifespan will depend on certain factors such as tank size and water parameters. Keeping the tank size adequate and maintaining the water parameters in the recommended range is key to keeping the fish healthy and helping it live a longer life.
Giant Red Tail Gouramis should be kept in a tank that is at least 25 gallons in size. It is also important to keep the water clean and with the right parameters. The temperature should be kept between 78-86°F, the pH should range from 6.8-7.4 and the hardness should be between 3-15 dH. Regular water changes and partial water changes are also essential to keeping the fish healthy.
Giant Red Tail Gouramis should also be fed a varied diet with plenty of protein. A balanced diet is essential to the long-term health of the fish. Feeding a combination of frozen, freeze-dried and live foods will ensure that the fish gets all the nutrients it needs.
It is also important to provide plenty of hiding places for the fish. This can be done by adding some driftwood and rocks to the tank. This will help the fish feel secure and more relaxed.
Care and Tank requirements
When it comes to caring for Giant Red Tail Gouramis, both the tank size and water parameters are critical for the fish’s health and longevity. The Giant Red Tail Gourami is an active fish that requires a tank of at least 55 gallons in order to move around and stay healthy. The water temperature should be kept at a steady temperature between 75 and 81°F. Additionally, the pH should be kept slightly acidic between 6.0-7.0, with low to moderate hardness. The addition of an appropriate aquarium filter is recommended to keep the water clean.
Decorating the tank is also important for the Giant Red Tail Gourami, as they need plenty of hiding places to feel secure. Live plants, rocks, and driftwood are ideal for their environment. It is also important to provide an adequate amount of swimming space for the fish.
When it comes to tank mates, it is important to select species that can tolerate the same water parameters. Fish such as barbs, rasboras, and danios are well-suited for Giant Red Tail Gouramis, as long as they are of similar size. It is also important to monitor the fish for signs of aggression, as they can be territorial.
With the right tank setup and compatible tank mates, a Giant Red Tail Gourami can be a beautiful and hardy addition to any aquarium.
Tank Mates
When selecting tank mates for Giant Red Tail Gouramis, it is important to choose fish that can tolerate the same water parameters. Setting up a tank with appropriate decorations and water parameters is essential for any fish but especially Giant Red Tail Gouramis. Tank mates should be compatible species that can thrive in similar water parameters.
| Species | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Guppies | Good |
| Danios | Good |
| Barbs (like Tinfoil Barbs or Spanner Barbs) | Good |
| Mollies | Poor |
| Gouramis | Poor |
Guppies, Danios, and Barbs are all good tank mates for Giant Red Tail Gouramis. They all prefer similar water parameters and can live peacefully alongside them. Mollies and Gouramis, however, are not good tank mates as they prefer different water parameters and may not get along.
Giant Red Tail Gouramis should be kept in groups and it is important to introduce them to the tank at the same time. The fish should be of the same size as well, to avoid the larger fish bullying the smaller ones. With the right tank setup, compatible tank mates, and proper diet and feeding, Giant Red Tail Gouramis can thrive in a home aquarium.
There are certain tank mates that should be avoided when keeping Giant Red Tail Gouramis due to their territorial and aggressive nature. Here are some examples:
- Small or slow-moving fish: Giant Red Tail Gouramis may see smaller or slower fish as potential prey and may harass or even consume them.
- Highly aggressive fish: Other highly aggressive species, such as cichlids or larger mean-spirited gouramis, can become territorial and engage in fights with the Giant Red Tail Gourami.
- Fin nippers: Fish species known for nipping at fins, such as tiger barbs or some tetras, can stress out the Giant Red Tail Gourami by constantly harassing its flowing tail fins.
- Bottom dwellers: Bottom-dwelling fish like peaceful catfish or loaches might not fare well with a large and dominant Giant Red Tail Gourami hogging most of the available space and resources.
- Shy or sensitive fish: Timid species that prefer hiding places and calm environments may feel stressed in a tank shared with an active and potentially intimidating Giant Red Tail Gourami.
Diet and Feeding
Giant Red Tail Gouramis should be fed a varied diet of high-quality foods to ensure they receive the nutrients they need for optimal health. It is important to provide a variety of foods, such as frozen or freeze-dried foods, pellets, and live foods like brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and bloodworms. Pellets should make up the bulk of their diet, but they should also be given food from other sources for nutritional value. Additionally, it is important to supplement their diet with green vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, cucumber, and zucchini.
Feeding should be done in small amounts multiple times per day, rather than one large meal. Giant Red Tail Gouramis should only consume what they can eat in a few minutes, and any leftover food should be removed. Overfeeding can cause health issues and uneaten food can pollute the tank water. It is also important to make sure that the food is appropriate for the size of the fish, as smaller fish may not be able to consume larger pieces of food.
Breeding
How and when can Giant Red Tail Gouramis be bred?
Breeding tips for Giant Red Tail Gouramis can be quite helpful for those looking to start a breeding program. These fish are relatively easy to breed when the right conditions are created.
To breed Giant Red Tail Gouramis, the following should be taken into account:
- Tank layout: A breeding tank should be set up with plenty of plants and other hides for the fish. The substrate should also be fine-grained to allow the female to lay her eggs.
- Water parameters: The water should be soft and slightly acidic. The temperature should be between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spawning techniques: When ready to spawn, the male will build a bubble nest. The female should then be introduced to the tank and the male will care for the eggs.
When all of the right conditions are met, Giant Red Tail Gouramis should be able to breed successfully. It is important to provide them with a comfortable environment and plenty of hiding spots to ensure successful spawning. Additionally, providing the right water parameters and using appropriate spawning techniques will help ensure successful breeding.
With patience and diligence, Giant Red Tail Gouramis can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for any fish keeper.