Giant red fin gourami - Osphronemus laticlavius

Scientific name: Osphronemus laticlavius

Common name: Giant red fin gourami

Family: Osphronemidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 40 - 50 cm (15.75 - 19.69 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.2 - 7.2

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 20°N (107.14 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: East Asia

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Origin

The Giant Red Fin Gourami (Osphronemus laticlavius) is native to Southeast Asia, specifically in the slow-moving freshwater rivers and lakes of Malaysia and Indonesia. These waters are typically warm, with soft to moderately hard water, making it essential to replicate these conditions in captivity to maintain their health.

Lifespan

With proper care and optimal tank conditions, the Giant Red Fin Gourami can live for up to 40 years, making it a long-term commitment for any aquarist. Their impressive lifespan highlights the importance of maintaining a large, clean aquarium to accommodate their growth and health needs.

Short description

The Giant Red Fin Gourami is an enormous species that can reach up to 50 cm (19.69 inches) in length, making them one of the largest gourami species available to hobbyists. Due to their size, they require a minimum tank size of 100 gallons (~454 litres, 120 US gallons), with even larger setups preferred for adult specimens. These fish have striking red-edged fins, contrasted against their grey to black body, making them visually stunning as they mature. Although peaceful if given ample space, aggression can arise in cramped conditions, especially towards smaller or similarly colored tank mates. Because they are high waste producers, a powerful filtration system is necessary to maintain water quality, along with weekly water changes of at least 10%.

Food and feeding

The Giant Red Fin Gourami is an herbivore by nature, and their diet should reflect this. High-quality vegetable-based pellets should form the staple of their diet, but they should also be offered fresh vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and peas regularly. Although they will accept a variety of foods, it is important to ensure that their diet is rich in vegetable matter to prevent digestive issues. Supplementing their diet with fresh plant matter ensures they stay healthy and grow to their full potential. Avoid overfeeding, as their large size and herbivorous diet can lead to excessive waste production, which in turn affects water quality.

Sexing

Determining the sex of the Giant Red Fin Gourami can be difficult, as there are no clear physical differences between males and females. Some aquarists report that males tend to display more vibrant coloration, particularly as they mature, but this is not a reliable method for sexing the species.

Breeding

Like most gouramis, the Giant Red Fin Gourami is a bubble-nest builder in the wild, with the male taking on the responsibility of tending to the nest. However, there are currently no confirmed reports of successful breeding of this species in captivity. In their natural habitat, after the female lays her eggs, the male collects them in the bubble nest and chases the female away. He will guard the nest until the eggs hatch, which usually occurs after two days. Once the fry are free swimming, they can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food. Breeding in captivity is still largely uncharted territory, but with proper tank setup and optimal water conditions, it may be possible to encourage spawning behavior.

Tankmates

When selecting tankmates for the Giant Red Fin Gourami, it is crucial to choose species that are similarly sized and can tolerate their territorial behavior. Due to their large size and potential aggression towards smaller fish, tankmates should be chosen carefully. Some suitable species include other large, peaceful fish like:

It’s best to avoid smaller fish or those that may be perceived as prey, as the Giant Red Fin Gourami could display aggression towards them, especially in confined spaces. Providing plenty of space and creating distinct territories within the tank can help reduce aggression.