Neon Blue Gourami | Single

The Neon Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus), also known as the Neon Gourami or Blue Gourami, is a beautiful and popular freshwater fish in the Gourami family. It's known for its striking neon blue coloration and calm temperament, making it a favorite among aquarists, especially those with community tanks.
Key Characteristics of Neon Blue Gourami:
Size: 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) in length.
Color: They have an iridescent, neon blue body with hints of green or turquoise, especially under aquarium lighting. Some individuals may also show slight reddish or orange hues on their fins.
Lifespan: 4–5 years with proper care.
Behavior: Peaceful, calm, and slow-moving. They are less aggressive compared to other Gourami species and are well-suited for community tanks.
Activity Level: Moderate; they prefer to stay near the middle or bottom levels of the tank.
Water Parameters for Neon Blue Gourami:
Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F).
pH: 6.0–7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
Hardness: 5–15 dGH.
Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of 2–3 fish. Larger tanks (30 gallons or more) are ideal for more stability.
Tank Setup for Neon Blue Gourami:
Substrate: Fine gravel or sand works well. A dark substrate can enhance their blue color.
Plants: They enjoy planted tanks with floating plants and thick vegetation like Java moss, Anubias, and Amazon swords, which also provide hiding spots.
Lighting: Moderate lighting to bring out their neon blue colors, while also allowing the plants to thrive.
Water Flow: Low to moderate water flow; Gouramis are generally not strong swimmers and prefer calm waters.
Decor: Provide plenty of hiding spots with plants, rocks, or driftwood. A tank with plenty of places to hide helps reduce stress.
Diet:
Neon Blue Gouramis are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet:
Staple Foods: High-quality tropical fish flakes or pellets.
Protein Sources: Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
Vegetable Matter: Blanched spinach, zucchini, and spirulina-based flakes or pellets.
Feeding Tip: Feed small portions 2–3 times a day. Gouramis are slow eaters, so it's important not to overfeed and maintain water quality.
Behavior and Tankmates:
Behavior: They are generally peaceful, but males can become territorial, especially during breeding. They may also engage in mild fin-nipping if stressed, but they are much less aggressive than other Gourami species.
Tankmates:
Compatible Species: Peaceful fish like other small tetras, peaceful barbs, Corydoras catfish, and other non-aggressive species like rasboras.
Avoid: Aggressive fish or fin-nippers such as bettas, tiger barbs, or large cichlids that could stress them out.
Breeding Neon Blue Gouramis:
Breeding Neon Blue Gouramis in captivity can be challenging but rewarding:
Breeding Tank: Set up a separate breeding tank with warm, slightly acidic water (pH 6.5–7.0), and plenty of plants or floating spawning mops.
Conditioning: Feed the breeding pair live or frozen foods to promote spawning.
Spawning Behavior: The male builds a bubble nest at the water's surface and courts the female. The female lays her eggs in the nest, where the male fertilizes them.
Egg Care: Remove the female after spawning to prevent her from being harmed. The male guards the nest and eggs until they hatch in about 24–48 hours.
Fry Care: The fry are small and need to be fed infusoria or liquid fry food until they grow large enough to eat finely crushed flakes.
Care Tips:
Group Size: While they can live alone, it's generally better to keep them in small groups of 2–3 to allow for natural behavior, but make sure to avoid housing multiple males together to prevent territorial disputes.
Water Quality: Keep the water clean and maintain regular water changes (20–30% every week) to prevent ammonia buildup and promote good health.
Tankmates: Choose calm, non-aggressive tankmates to prevent stress.
Environment: Ensure a well-planted tank with hiding spots to reduce stress and enhance the Gourami's natural behavior.
Why Choose Neon Blue Gourami?
Striking Appearance: Their bright neon blue coloration adds a pop of color to any tank, especially under proper lighting.
Peaceful Nature: They are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them an excellent choice for community tanks.
Easy to Care For: Their relatively simple care requirements and hardiness make them suitable for both beginner and experienced hobbyists.
Active But Calm: They are lively without being overly active, making them a calming presence in a well-maintained aquarium.
Conclusion:
The Neon Blue Gourami is a stunning, peaceful fish that makes a fantastic addition to a community tank. With proper care, a balanced diet, and a suitable tank environment, they will thrive and provide vibrant color and calm movement to your aquarium.