HONEY GOLDEN GOURAMI (Colisa Chuna)

Honey Golden Gourami (Colisa chuna) – Care Guide

The Honey Golden Gourami is a peaceful, colorful freshwater fish that makes a beautiful addition to community aquariums. Known for its golden-orange hue and calm temperament, this labyrinth fish is a hardy yet elegant choice for aquarists of all experience levels.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Colisa chuna (also known as Trichogaster chuna)

• Common Names: Honey Gourami, Golden Honey Gourami, Sunset Gourami

• Origin: India, Bangladesh

• Adult Size: 2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6 cm)

• Lifespan: 4 – 6 years

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

• Diet: Omnivore

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Appearance

The Honey Golden Gourami has a stunning warm golden body, sometimes with a slightly darker orange hue near the belly and fins. Males tend to be more vividly colored, especially during breeding, while females may appear paler with a slightly rounded body.

Tank Requirements

Tank Size:
A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a single Honey Gourami, but a 15–20 gallon tank is better for a pair or community setup.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75 – 82°F (24 – 28°C)

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Hardness: 4 – 15 dGH

Filtration & Flow:
Honey Gouramis prefer gentle water movement. A sponge filter or low-flow hang-on-back filter works well.

Aquascaping:

• Provide plenty of plants (live or silk) for shelter and comfort.

• Floating plants are highly recommended—they diffuse lighting and make gouramis feel secure.

• Include open swimming areas alongside dense vegetation.

Diet & Feeding

Honey Gouramis are omnivores and will accept a wide range of foods. For best health and color:

• Staple Diet: High-quality micro-pellets or flakes designed for small tropical fish.

• Supplement: Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.

• Vegetable Matter: Blanched spinach, zucchini, or spirulina-based foods.
  Feed small portions 2–3 times daily to prevent overfeeding.

Temperament & Tank Mates

Honey Gouramis are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
Good tank mates include:

• Small peaceful tetras (e.g., neon tetras, ember tetras)

• Rasboras

• Corydoras catfish

• Otocinclus catfish

• Peaceful dwarf shrimp (with caution)

Avoid housing them with fin-nipping species or overly aggressive fish.

Breeding

Honey Gouramis are bubble nest builders. The male creates a nest at the water’s surface under floating plants, then courts the female. After spawning, the male guards the eggs until they hatch.
If breeding:

• Use a separate breeding tank (10–15 gallons).

• Keep water warm (around 80°F) and quiet.

• Remove the female after spawning and the male after fry become free-swimming.

Special Notes

• As labyrinth fish, they can breathe air from the surface—ensure easy surface access.

• They thrive in calm, well-planted tanks with soft lighting.

• Regular water changes (25–30% weekly) will keep them healthy and vibrant.

Summary:
The Honey Golden Gourami is a peaceful, hardy, and visually striking fish that adapts well to community aquariums. With proper care, they will reward you with years of gentle beauty and fascinating behavior, making them a favorite for aquarists seeking both charm and tranquility in their tanks.