Honey Gouramis

[Cal116]

I just bought a new Honey Gourami. Does anyone know a thing or two about them? Please provide quality information about this fish.

 

[waterdrop]

I just bought a new Honey Gourami. Does anyone know a thing or two about them? Please provide quality information about this fish.

These stay small like the dwarf gourami, males get to maybe 1.5 inches, females to maybe 2 inches. Full orangy color may not come out until the fish has become comfortable with the surroundings and it may take longer to do this than many other fish. Not quite as aggressive as dwarf g's. Otherwise, a lot of characteristics that are similar to other gouramis.. bubble nest building, probably the male and female will hang out together and explore about the aquarium, more top and middle layers probably than bottom.

I'd be interested to hear from knowledgeable members about what this gourami is a color variant -from-! They were not around that many years ago and it would be interesting to hear what the breeding route was to get this color.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Christi_22]

I have 3, 2m and 1f which I would consider to be the original/naturally occurring colour. The female is a silvery grey with a dark lateral stripe. and very pretty, The males can also appear fairly dull comparatively at first. (ie not the bright orange of the ones that you see in the shops mostly) When you get them home they colour up amazingly, when in breeding colours they are absolutely stunning, and probably one of the most gorgeous fish in my aquarium. The dorsal fin and feelers are bright yellow, the body is a beautiful bronze/orange colour, from below the mouth the underside turns to dark blue/jet black. I am not sure of the breeding routes taken to produce the "orange" version, and personally I much prefer the natural colours. The males completely loose their bright colours when stressed or disturbed, like many fish.

They are completely peaceful, although males will chase other fish away from their bubble nest quite vigorously. Another thing I have noticed, is that their swimming action differs from other fish, they have a very endearing start stop start motion, and continually use their feelers to check things out including each other. When I had the red/orange variety Honeys they did not swim in this manner.

They really love lots of plants, which I think helps them feel much more at home.

Feeding wish, they readily accept all types of aquarium flake/Brine Shrimp/bloodworm/Spirulina/Algae tablets.

Hope this is of help

 

[Cal116]

So the 2 things that hang down from them are called "Feelers." That's interesting. I am completely new to this hobby.

 

[Christi_22]

So the 2 things that hang down from them are called "Feelers." That's interesting. I am completely new to this hobby.

Actually that is not the technical term lol They are modified Pectoral Fins,(sorry don't know the correct terminology) although many call them "feelers", as that is what they appear to do. Gourami's do naturally in the wild live in dark waters, and the "feelers" help them find food, mates, and more. Personally I don't know the extent of how the "feelers" are used. I have heard that they are a bit like a cats Whiskas, but personally I think they might do a bit more then that.
I think I may need to do a bit more research !

 

[Cal116]

haha alright gotcha. Makes sense. How many honey gouramis have you had?

 

[Jazzzz]

How old is the tank you have put them in as they are highly sensitive fish. They will die within 2 weeks in most tanks under 6months old.

I am gussing it is around 1 week old your tank and is therefor uncycled and will kill the gourami within a week. I would be delighted to stand corrected!

 

[Christi_22]

I currently have 3 Honey Gourami's, of the natural type. I have also kept the other type (the Red Honey Gourami).

What is your setup?

 

[ellena]

Sorry to jump on your thread Cal, but I have a related q.
Are honey gourami distinct from dwarf gouramis in terms of the disease the latter can carry?

 

[Christi_22]

Sorry to jump on your thread Cal, but I have a related q.
Are honey gourami distinct from dwarf gouramis in terms of the disease the latter can carry?

Not sure which type of disease you refer to, but I came across this link which does give some information that may help

http/www.wetwebmedia.com/fwsubwebindex/dwfgid.htm

 

[Cal116]

I've had the tank for about 4 months Jazz

 

[Goodygumdrops]

Yep,honeys are colisa chuna,dwarfs are colisa lalia.They look and behave completely differently and honeys on the whole seem to be very hardy wee creatures and not plagued with the diseases dwarfs seem to carry.(I have 6 honeys).