Honey Gourami Care Guide
The Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna) is a peaceful and colourful tropical freshwater fish popular in the UK. Known for its warm golden-orange colouration and calm temperament, it's a favourite for planted and community aquariums.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Honey Gourami care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, feeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
Quick facts about Honey Gouramis
Honey gouramis are small labyrinth fish native to slow-moving waters in India and Bangladesh. Males develop stronger golden-orange colours, especially during breeding.
They are peaceful, shy fish that thrive in calm, planted aquariums.
Trichogaster chuna
4-6 cm
India and Bangladesh
60L (15gal)
4-6 years
Peaceful, shy
24-28°C
Omnivore (flakes, pellets, frozen, live foods)
6.0-7.5
£4-£10 per fish
How Many Honey Gouramis Should You Keep?
Honey gouramis can be kept singly, as pairs, or in small groups.
- A pair works well in most aquariums
- Groups should contain more females than males
- Provide heavily planted areas to reduce stress
Keeping too many males together can lead to:
- Territorial displays
- Chasing behaviour
- Stress
They are generally calm compared to many gourami species.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Honey Gouramis
Providing the right environment helps honey gouramis display natural behaviour and colour.
- Tank Setup: Calm, planted aquarium with gentle flow
- Substrate: Dark substrate enhances colouration
- Plants & Decor: Dense planting, floating plants, driftwood, and shaded areas
- Water Conditions: Soft to moderately hard water with stable parameters
- Filtration & Flow: Gentle filtration and low water movement
- Lighting: Moderate lighting with shaded areas preferred
Floating plants help them feel secure.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Honey gouramis are peaceful and suitable for community aquariums.
- Good Tankmates: small tetras, rasboras, corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches, and peaceful shrimp
- Avoid: aggressive fish, fin-nippers, and larger boisterous species
They do best with calm tankmates.
Are Honey Gouramis Easy to Care For?
Honey gouramis are easy to care for and suitable for beginners.
They require:
- Stable water quality
- A peaceful environment
- Gentle water flow
- A varied diet
They are hardy when properly acclimated.
Honey Gourami Price in the UK
In the UK, honey gouramis typically cost between £4-£10 per fish.
Prices vary depending on:
- Colour quality
- Sex and size
- Availability
- Shop vs hobbyist sellers
Brightly coloured males may cost slightly more.
Where to Buy Honey Gouramis in the UK
Honey gouramis are widely available in UK aquarium shops and from hobbyist breeders.
Sourcing fish locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Allow you to assess colour and health
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely - without shipping.
Can You Sell Honey Gouramis?
Yes - honey gouramis are commonly bred and sold by hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the fish
- Avoids the risks of shipping
- Connects you with responsible aquarists
TankMate UK allows you to list fish quickly and find local buyers.
Feeding Honey Gouramis
Honey gouramis are omnivorous and easy to feed.
Key Tips:
- Feed high-quality flakes or micro pellets
- Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia and bloodworms
- Feed small amounts 1-2 times daily
- Include a varied diet for best colouration
They are gentle feeders and may struggle against fast, aggressive fish.
Common Problems with Honey Gouramis
Stress or hiding, often caused by:
- Aggressive tankmates
- Excessive water flow
Faded colours, linked to:
- Poor diet
- Stress
- Poor water quality
Poor feeding response, caused by:
- Competition from faster fish
Why Honey Gouramis Are So Popular
- Peaceful and beginner-friendly
- Warm golden-orange colouration
- Ideal for planted aquariums
- Calm and interesting behaviour
- Suitable for smaller community tanks
When kept correctly, honey gouramis add subtle colour and calm personality to tropical aquariums.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are among the most peaceful gourami species.
Yes, they are ideal for peaceful tropical communities.
Typically 4-6 cm in captivity.
At least 60 litres, with planted areas and gentle flow.
Looking to Buy or Sell Honey Gouramis Locally?
TankMate UK connects fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely within their local area.
Whether you're adding peaceful fish to your aquarium or passing fish on to a new home, you can:
- Browse fish available near you
- List your own fish in minutes
- Avoid the risks of shipping
Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right fish for your aquarium.