Gold Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna, formerly Colisa chuna) is a peaceful, colorful, and hardy labyrinth fish, ideal for both beginner and experienced aquarists. 

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Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Trichogaster chuna
• Common Names: Gold Honey Gourami, Honey Gourami, Sunset Gourami
• Family: Osphronemidae
• Origin: India and Bangladesh
• Size: 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm)
• Lifespan: 4–8 years
• Temperament: Peaceful, shy, social

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Coloration

• Males: Bright golden-orange with a black throat and belly during breeding
• Females: Paler gold or silvery with a faint horizontal stripe
• Color intensity improves with good diet and low-stress environments

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Natural Habitat

• Found in slow-moving, warm, plant-rich waters like ponds, ditches, and rice paddies
• Adapted to low-oxygen environments using their labyrinth organ to breathe air from the surface

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Tank Setup

• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum for one; 20+ gallons for a pair or trio
• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand
• Decor: Dense planting, floating plants, driftwood, and hiding spots
• Lighting: Low to moderate
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Hardness: 4–12 dGH
• Filtration: Gentle flow; avoid strong currents

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Diet

• Type: Omnivore
• Preferred Foods:
  • High-quality flakes or micro pellets
  • Frozen/live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
  • Blanched vegetables: spinach, peas
  • Spirulina flakes for color and health
• Feed once or twice daily in small amounts

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Tank Mates

• Ideal with:
  • Small peaceful fish: tetras, rasboras, corydoras, otocinclus
  • Shrimp and snails
• Avoid:
  • Aggressive or fin-nipping species
  • Other gouramis or bettas in small tanks (can lead to territorial disputes)

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Breeding

• Type: Bubble nest builder
• Spawning Setup:
  • Shallow water (6–8 inches)
  • Floating plants or bubble wrap for nest support
  • Sponge filter for gentle filtration
• Breeding Behavior:
  • Male builds nest and courts female
  • After spawning, remove female
  • Male guards eggs until hatching (24–36 hours)
  • Remove male once fry are free-swimming

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