Opaline Gourami

Opaline Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) is a captive color form of the Three Spot Gourami — the marbled blue and darker patterning of the opaline form replaces the standard two spots with a swirling, irregular blue-grey marbling across the silver body. The opaline pattern has an almost shifting, iridescent quality under good lighting.

Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Vibra Bites. Feed 2–3 times daily.

The same species as the Three Spot Gourami, the Opaline form is a captive-developed color morph with marbled blue patterning. All care requirements are identical — a large, hardy, and adaptable gourami tolerant of a wide range of conditions.

Keep one male with two or more females. Same temperament as the Three Spot — generally peaceful but can be assertive with smaller fish. Compatible with larger tetras, barbs, and robust community fish.

Males build floating bubble nests at the surface among plants or floating vegetation when in breeding condition — a fascinating and distinctive behavior. The male courts the female with elaborate fin displays, and the pair spawns beneath the nest. The male guards eggs and wriggling larvae until the fry become free-swimming. Remove the female after spawning to protect her from the male's nest-guarding aggression. All gouramis possess a labyrinth organ — a specialized breathing structure above the gills that allows them to breathe atmospheric air directly from the surface. This adaptation evolved for life in oxygen-poor waters and means gouramis can survive in conditions that would stress most other fish. Always ensure unobstructed surface access — a tight-fitting lid with a small gap, or a covered aquarium, prevents the fish from breathing cold air which can cause respiratory issues.

Care & Ideal Parameters