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Maximum size : 50 cm
Giant Red Tail Gourami - Osphronemus laticlavius : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
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Introduction
The Giant Red Tail Gourami (Osphronemus laticlavius) is a stunning fish that commands attention with its imposing size and bold coloration. These fish are generally peaceful, but larger males can become territorial and aggressive, making them more suitable for experienced aquarists. When kept in an appropriately sized tank with larger, non-aggressive tankmates, the Giant Red Tail Gourami can be a fascinating addition to a community aquarium. As juveniles, they can even coexist peacefully with smaller fish. These fish have a distinct oval-shaped body, a short head, and a beautiful blue-green coloration that becomes more pronounced as they mature. Adult fish have elongated dorsal and anal fins, with rounded pectoral fins and a large caudal peduncle black eyespot. Their bright red fins and filamentous extensions, along with a prominent forehead hump, make them a visually striking species. To keep your Giant Red Tail Gourami healthy and happy, feed them a balanced diet heavy on vegetable material, supplemented with live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods. Feed them once or twice daily, and ensure that your aquarium is appropriately sized and filtered to maintain good water quality.Giant Red Tail Gourami Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Giant Red Tail Gouramis can be a challenge due to the subtle differences in physical characteristics. Typically, females exhibit thicker lips and a less vibrant coloration than their male counterparts.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Osphronemus laticlavius |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1992 |
| Other Names | Giant Red Finned Gourami, Red Flag Giant Gourami, Crimson Tail Gourami, |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Anabantiformes |
| Family | Osphronemidae |
| Genus | Osphronemus |
| Origins | Malaysia |
| Max Size | 50 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Pairs |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Bubble nest |
| Lifespan | up to 25 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 25 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 68 - 86 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 20 - 30 |
Natural habitat
The Giant Red Tail Gouramis are fascinating creatures that hail from the lush island of Borneo in Indonesia, as well as the Kinabatangan and Segama river basins in Sabah in East Malaysia. These magnificent fish have adapted to survive in the heavily vegetated putrid waters of marshlands, swamps, and sluggish moving canals, and can also be found in slow-moving lakes, rivers, and flooded forests during the rainy seasons. What makes the Giant Red Tail Gouramis stand out is their unique labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe air directly from the surface of the water. This adaptation enables them to survive in oxygen-depleted waters, where other fish would struggle to survive.How to breed the Giant Red Tail Gourami
Unfortunately, successful breeding of Giant Red Tail Gouramis in an aquarium environment has not yet been reported. However, based on observations of their close relative, the Giant Gourami, it is likely that they build spherical bubble nests from bits of vegetable matter anchored to subsurface grass or reeds. During the breeding season, which typically occurs in April and May, the male will take 7 to 10 days to construct the nest. Once the nest is complete, the female will release up to 3,000 eggs, which the male will fertilize and place in the bubble nest. The male will carefully watch over the nest, collecting any eggs that sink and placing them back into the nest. Around 40 hours after spawning, the eggs will hatch and after 15 days, the fry will become free-swimming. As of now, it is unknown if the breeding process for this species in captivity differs from that of their relatives.mi.Diet & feeding
In order to maintain optimal health in Giant Red Tail Gouramis, it is essential to provide a well-balanced diet that is rich in vegetable material. These gouramis are not particularly finicky eaters and will consume a wide variety of foods, particularly as juveniles. In addition to standard flakes and pellets, they will readily accept live, frozen, or freeze-dried options such as worms, brine shrimp, and bloodworms, as well as vegetables like lettuce, algae wafers, and even boiled potatoes or peas. It is recommended to feed these fish once or twice daily to ensure they receive proper nutrition.Other Gouramis you maybe interested in
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