You want a “Centerpiece Fish”—a star of the show.
You look at a Betta? Too aggressive; he might kill your shrimp.
You look at a Dwarf Gourami? They are infamous for dying suddenly (Dwarf Gourami Disease).
You look at an Angelfish? Too big for your 2-foot tank.
Let me introduce you to the best-kept secret in the hobby: The Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna).
They are small, bright yellow, and genuinely peaceful. If the Angelfish is the “wolf” of the tank, the Honey Gourami is the “Golden Retriever.”
1. Honey vs. Dwarf: The “Disease” Warning
This is the most important reason to choose a Honey Gourami.
In Malaysian shops, you will see the blue/red Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius). They look stunning.
Do not buy them.
Most mass-farmed Dwarf Gouramis carry a virus called Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus (DGIV). It is incurable and fatal.
Honey Gouramis are a different species. They are much hardier and generally immune to that specific virus. They are the safer investment.
2. The “Feelers” (How They Interact)
Gouramis have a superpower. Their pelvic fins have evolved into long, thin “feelers” that look like whiskers.
They use these to explore their world. You will watch them swim up to a plant, a snail, or even another fish, and gently “touch” it with their feelers to see what it is. It is fascinating to watch—they are curious explorers, not just mindless swimmers.
3. The Color Transformation
When you see them in the shop, they might look like a pale, boring beige color.
Be patient.
Once you get them home and feed them well, the males transform.
- The Male: Turns a rich, golden-honey yellow. During breeding mood, his throat turns dark blue/black.
- The Female: Stays a silvery-brown (but still cute).
4. Perfect for the “Quiet” Tank
Unlike Bettas or Angelfish, Honey Gouramis almost never bully other fish.
- Size: They only grow to 2 inches (5cm).
- Tank Mates: You can keep them with tiny Chili Rasboras, Neon Tetras, or even Cherry Shrimp (usually).
- Group Size: Unlike the solitary Betta, Honey Gouramis enjoy company. You can keep a pair (Male/Female) or a small group in a 2-foot tank.
5. The “Labyrinth” Lung
Like the Betta, the Honey Gourami is a Labyrinth Fish.
This means they can breathe air from the surface. You will often see them gulping air.
- Care Tip: Because of this, avoid strong water flow. They are not strong swimmers. If your filter flow is like a washing machine, they will get stressed. Keep the water calm.
If you have a planted tank and want a splash of bright yellow color without the aggression of a Cichlid, get a Honey Gourami.
They are gentle, hardy in our Malaysian climate, and watching them “feel” their way around the tank is endless entertainment.
