Red-tailed Gourami

This is a massive, large fish capable of growing up to 50 cm in aquariums. Its body shape is similar to other members of the Gourami genus, but it is distinguished by a large hump or bump on its head, sometimes called an “occipital hump,” which gives it the appearance of an enlarged forehead. The primary coloration of the fish is blue-green, and its fins have a distinctive red trim, which gave it its name. Sometimes specimens with variations in color are found; with age, the fish may become red or partially red. In China, such individuals are considered great luck, which maintains a constant demand for them.

The scientific description of this species appeared relatively recently, in 1992. Its habitat is Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia and Indonesia. The Gourami prefers rivers and lakes, and during the rainy season, when forests are flooded, it moves under the forest canopy in search of food. These fish choose areas of water bodies with dense vegetation, where the water is either stagnant or has a weak current. Their diet consists of any aquatic organisms they can swallow: from aquatic weeds to small fish, frogs, earthworms, and various insects.

This species is generally considered peaceful, but there are exceptions. Some large males may show aggression, defending their territory and attacking other fish. Also, due to their size and natural feeding habits, small fish can become their prey. Co-housing with other large fish is possible, preferably if they grow up together to prevent future conflicts. A species-specific tank with a single fish or a male/female pair is considered most preferable, although determining the sex of these fish is quite problematic due to the lack of obvious external differences.

Keeping this fish will not be difficult if you have a suitable place to install an aquarium with a volume of at least 600 liters. It is important to consider that the total weight of a filled tank, including substrate and equipment, can exceed 700 kg, so it is necessary to ensure the floor can support such weight. Since the fish actively produces waste, it is recommended to use several powerful filters and perform weekly water changes of up to 25% to ease the burden on the biosystem. If the fish is kept alone, the frequency of water changes can be reduced to once every two weeks. Other necessary equipment includes a heater, lighting system, and air pump. Special attention in the design should be given to creating ample swimming areas. Comfortable conditions can be provided by several shelters combined with dense plant thickets. Fast-growing species should be chosen, as Gouramis will enjoy nibbling on them. Using dark substrate helps to bring out brighter coloration in the fish.

This species is completely omnivorous and, due to its size, very voracious. It readily accepts any aquarium foods: flakes, pellets, tablets, as well as various meat products such as worms, bloodworms, insect larvae, or pieces of shrimp and mussels. However, mammalian meat should not be fed, as Gouramis are unable to digest it. The fish also gladly consumes boiled potatoes, vegetables, and bread. It is recommended to feed these fish once a day. When purchasing an adult specimen, it is important to clarify its usual diet, because if the fish was fed exclusively meat or small fish from childhood, changing its food preferences may be impossible, which will lead to significant financial costs for food.

Reproduction of this species in home aquariums is not practical. There are no differences between the sexes in these fish, so to form a pair, it is advisable to acquire several individuals at once, for example, five. Such a number requires a very large aquarium, over 1000 liters. In addition, as they mature, conflicts may arise between males, of which there will likely be 2 or more. Given these complexities, breeding the Giant Red-tailed Gourami is a challenging task.

In a balanced aquarium with a well-functioning biosystem, these fish do not experience health problems.

When choosing this fish, its rarity and high cost should be taken into account. Inspect specimens for fin damage, ulcers, or signs of emaciation, as due to high demand in Asia, specimens kept in overcrowded conditions are often found. It is important to clarify the current diet with the seller: adult individuals accustomed to a specific type of food may refuse other types of food, which will require additional costs. Avoid purchasing if the fish shows obvious aggression or apathy, as this may indicate stress or illness. — give preference to individuals with active behavior and clean skin — clarify transportation conditions, considering the large size and sensitivity of the fish to water quality — assess the possibility of providing long-term keeping, as the species requires significant aquarium volumes and has a long lifespan.