Bettas, Dwarf Gouramis and Gouramis

Bettas, dwarf gouramis and gouramis are popular freshwater fish known for their vibrant colours and fascinating behaviour.

Native to Southeast Asia, they naturally inhabit shallow, slow-moving waters and can breathe air at the surface using their labyrinth organ, making them particularly fascinating fish to observe in an aquarium.

Betta and Gourami appearance and behaviour

These fish have elongated bodies with well-developed dorsal and anal fins, which are essential for swimming, maintaining balance and communicating, particularly during displays and breeding.

• Betta fish (Betta splendens): Colourful fish with either long fins, such as Halfmoon Bettas, or short fins, such as Plakat Bettas. Males are territorial and should be kept alone in an aquarium of at least 20 litres. A harem consisting of one male and several females is possible, but only in a spacious aquarium of at least 100 litres, with plenty of plants and hiding places to reduce stress. A lid is recommended to prevent jumping and maintain warm, humid air above the water surface.
• Dwarf Gouramis (Colisa lalia, Colisa chuna): Active and curious fish. Males can become territorial. Recommended minimum tank size: 50 litres. A covered aquarium helps maintain warm, humid air above the water surface.
• Larger Gouramis (Blue Gourami, Gold Gourami, Pearl Gourami): Generally peaceful fish, although they may defend a territory. In a spacious, planted aquarium of at least 200 litres, they can live alongside other peaceful species.
• Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis): A hardy species with a strong temperament. Males can become territorial during breeding, so active, robust tank mates should be chosen. Long-finned or very slow-moving fish should be avoided.

Shelters and hiding places, including floating plants, roots and shallow areas, are essential for reducing stress and conflict, particularly among territorial males.

Breeding Bettas and Gouramis

Labyrinth fish, including Bettas and dwarf gouramis, build bubble nests at the water surface. The male blows small bubbles to create a floating nest where the eggs are placed and protected by the male. During this period, the male becomes highly territorial and actively defends the nest against intruders. Females remain at a distance and move through calmer areas or among planted shelters.

To observe Betta and Gourami breeding under suitable conditions, the pair should be kept in a spacious, planted aquarium with low water flow to prevent the bubble nest from breaking apart.

Betta and Gourami diet and feeding

These fish are omnivorous and should be offered a varied diet to support their health, maintain their vibrant colours and encourage natural behaviour:

• Suitable pellets or flakes
• Live or frozen foods such as Artemia (brine shrimp), Daphnia and bloodworms
• Feeding frequency: once or twice a day, with one fasting day per week to help prevent overfeeding

Ideal aquarium conditions for Bettas and Gouramis

• Bettas and dwarf gouramis: 20–28°C
• Paradise Fish: 18–23°C, as this subtropical species does not tolerate excessively warm water
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Water flow: low, helping facilitate bubble-nest construction and reduce stress
• Aquarium setup: floating plants, shallow areas, roots and hiding places

These conditions help recreate their natural habitat, support breeding and fry development, and maintain their vibrant colours.

Betta and Gourami compatibility

• Male Bettas should never be kept with other males. They can be kept with females, generally as a harem of one male to two females, in a sufficiently spacious and well-planted aquarium. They can also live alongside other suitable freshwater species.
• Dwarf Gouramis can live with other peaceful fish when the aquarium is large enough and provides sufficient hiding places to reduce stress.
• Larger Gouramis are generally peaceful but may display mild territorial behaviour. They can live alongside peaceful tank mates such as Rasboras, Corydoras and Neon Tetras.
• Paradise Fish require robust, non-territorial tank mates to help avoid conflict.

A well-planted aquarium with sufficient space and compatible tank mates allows these fish to display their fascinating natural behaviour while supporting their health and well-being.