Gouramis are popular freshwater aquarium fish known for their calm swimming style, unique body shape, and ability to thrive in planted and community tanks. While many gourami species are peaceful and beginner-friendly, others grow large or need more space and planning. Because different gourami types vary in size, temperament, and tank requirements, choosing the right species is essential.
This page highlights common gourami species kept in home aquariums, with short profiles to help you compare them. For a complete breakdown of gourami fish care, including tank size rules, behavior differences, and compatibility tips, see our main Gourami Fish Care Guide.
Read full care guide: Gourami Fish Care Guide: Types, Tank Size, Behavior & Compatibility
Quick Comparison of Popular Gourami Fish
| Gourami Type | Adult Size | Temperament | Minimum Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honey Gourami | Small | Very peaceful | 10 gallons |
| Dwarf Gourami | Small | Peaceful | 10 gallons |
| Sparkling Gourami | Very small | Peaceful | Nano tank |
| Pearl Gourami | Medium | Calm | 20+ gallons |
| Blue Gourami | Medium–large | Semi-aggressive | 30+ gallons |
| Moonlight Gourami | Medium | Peaceful | 20+ gallons |
| Snakeskin Gourami | Large | Calm | 55+ gallons |
| Kissing Gourami | Large | Territorial | 55+ gallons |
| Giant Gourami | Very large | Peaceful | 100+ gallons |
Popular Types of Gourami Fish
Below are some of the most commonly kept gourami species, along with brief notes to help you decide which one suits your aquarium.
1. Honey Gourami
Honey Gouramis are among the best gourami fish for beginners. They grow to about 2 inches and have a warm golden to orange color. These fish are gentle, adapt well to planted tanks, and do well in peaceful community aquariums.
Full Guide →Honey Gourami Care Guide
2. Sparkling Gourami
Sparkling Gouramis are tiny, growing just over 1 inch. They are ideal for nano tanks with soft water and dense plant cover. Despite their size, they are active and known for making soft croaking sounds during interaction.
Full Guide → Sparkling Gouramis
3. Licorice Gourami
Licorice Gouramis are small, shy fish best suited for experienced aquarists. They prefer soft, acidic water and heavily planted aquariums with low light. Their colors become especially striking during breeding periods.
4. Pearl Gourami
Pearl Gouramis are elegant, calm fish with a speckled body pattern and long trailing fins. Reaching up to 5 inches, they thrive in planted tanks with gentle lighting and make excellent community fish.
Full Guide →Pearl Gourami Guide
5. Blue Gourami
Blue Gouramis grow up to 6 inches and are more assertive than smaller gourami species. Males can become territorial, so these fish need larger tanks with hiding spots and compatible tank mates.
Full Guide →→Blue Gourami Care Guide
6. Kissing Gourami
Kissing Gouramis are known for their mouth-to-mouth interactions, which are displays of dominance rather than affection. They grow large and require spacious aquariums with sturdy plants and good filtration.
Full Guide → Kissing Gouramis
7. Giant Gourami
Giant Gouramis are intelligent, slow-moving fish that can exceed 16 inches in length. Due to their size, they are only suitable for very large aquariums and experienced keepers.
Full Guide → Giant Gouramis
8. Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf Gouramis are small, colorful fish ideal for planted community tanks. Popular color variants include Powder Blue and Flame Dwarf Gouramis. They remain peaceful when kept in proper conditions and are best housed with calm tank mates.
9. Snakeskin Gourami
Snakeskin Gouramis are large, calm fish with a subtle patterned body. They prefer slow-moving water, dim lighting, and plenty of swimming space, making them suitable for large community tanks.
Full Guide → Snakeskin Gouramis
10. Moonlight Gourami
Moonlight Gouramis have a soft, silvery glow and long flowing fins. They are peaceful, adaptable, and do well in planted community tanks with low flow and gentle lighting.
Full Guide → Moonlight Gouramis
How to Choose the Right Gourami for Your Tank
- Small tanks (10 gallons): Honey Gourami, Dwarf Gourami, Sparkling Gourami
- Beginner-friendly choices: Honey Gourami, Pearl Gourami, Dwarf Gourami
- Large tanks: Blue Gourami, Snakeskin Gourami, Kissing Gourami
- Advanced keepers: Licorice Gourami, Giant Gourami
Avoid keeping multiple males together in small tanks, as territorial behavior can develop.
Common Gourami Characteristics
Most gourami fish share these traits:
- They have a labyrinth organ, allowing them to breathe surface air
- Males often build bubble nests
- They feel more secure in planted aquariums
- They usually swim in the upper and middle tank levels
Final Notes
Gouramis are a diverse group of freshwater fish that offer color, personality, and calm movement in aquariums of many sizes. While some species are easy for beginners, others need more space and experience. Use this page to compare gourami types, then explore the individual care guides linked above for detailed setup and care instructions.
 **2. Platy** Platies are hardy and easygoing. They enjoy swimming in groups and come in a variety of bright colors. Great for peaceful community tanks. ➡️ [Platy Fish Guide →](#) **3. Zebra Danio** Known for their energy and toughness, zebra danios are perfect for cycling new tanks. They tolerate a wide range of conditions and like to dart around in groups. ➡️ [Zebra Danio Guide →](#) **4. Corydoras Catfish** Peaceful bottom-dwellers that help keep your tank clean. Keep them in groups of 3 or more and give them soft substrate. ➡️ [Cory Catfish Care →](#) **5. Molly** Adaptable to various water conditions (even brackish), mollies are lively and great for community aquariums. ➡️ [Molly Fish Care Guide →](#) **6. Swordtail** Easy to care for and great in peaceful groups. Males have a signature sword-like tail and love swimming space. ➡️ [Swordtail Fish Guide →](#) **7. Betta Fish** Low-maintenance and visually stunning. Best kept alone or with very peaceful tank mates like snails or Corydoras. ➡️ [Full Betta Fish Care Guide →](#) **8. Neon Tetra** Small and peaceful, neon tetras love to school and light up a planted tank. Keep them in groups of 6 or more. ➡️ [Neon Tetra Care Guide →](https://oceanbitez.com/neon-tetras/) **9. Harlequin Rasbora** A calm and schooling species that fits right into community setups. Easy to feed and care for. ➡️ [Harlequin Rasbora Guide →](#) **10. Dwarf Gourami** A gentle and colorful addition to a beginner’s tank. Likes planted environments and peaceful neighbors. ➡️ [Dwarf Gourami Guide →](#) **11. White Cloud Mountain Minnow** Can live in cooler temperatures and is perfect for unheated tanks. Small, peaceful, and easy to care for. ➡️ [White Cloud Minnow Guide →](#) **12. Cherry Barb** Peaceful and social, cherry barbs do well in planted tanks and enjoy being in small groups. ➡️ [Cherry Barb Care →](#) --- ### Sample Beginner Tank Combos **Combo 1: 10–15 Gallon Easy Starter** * 4–6 Guppies * 3 Corydoras Catfish * 1 Nerite Snail **Combo 2: 20 Gallon Planted Community** * 6 Harlequin Rasboras * 6 Neon Tetras * 1 Dwarf Gourami * 3 Otocinclus (optional if algae control is needed) --- ### Beginner Tips for a Successful Aquarium * Cycle your tank before adding fish (ammonia → nitrite → nitrate) * Start with hardy species before delicate ones * Feed small amounts once or twice daily * Do weekly partial water changes (20–30%) * Don’t mix aggressive or fin-nipping species * Use a heater for tropical fish (75–80°F) --- ### Final Thoughts These beginner fish are ideal for getting started in the hobby without frustration. They're low-maintenance, compatible, and fun to watch. Once you’re comfortable, you can explore more advanced species and community combinations. ➡️ Check out our full guide to [Freshwater Aquarium Fish →](https://oceanbitez.com/freshwater-fish/)](https://oceanbitez.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Best-Freshwater-Fish-for-Your-Aquarium-1024x640.webp)
