Red Colisa Gourami | Single

The Red Colisa Gourami (Trichopodus lalius), also commonly known as the Dwarf Gourami or Scarlet Gourami, is a small, colorful, and peaceful freshwater fish that is popular in home aquariums. Its vibrant red or orange coloration and easygoing nature make it an attractive and desirable fish for both beginner and experienced aquarium hobbyists.
Key Characteristics of Red Colisa Gourami:
Size: Typically grows up to 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) in length.
Color: The male Red Colisa Gourami has a bright red or orange body with a metallic sheen, while the female is generally less colorful and more of a pale yellow or light orange.
Lifespan: 3–4 years with proper care.
Behavior: Peaceful and calm, making it suitable for community tanks. They are relatively shy and may sometimes be timid, especially when kept alone.
Activity Level: Moderate; they typically swim in the middle and top levels of the tank.
Water Parameters for Red Colisa Gourami:
Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F), as they prefer warm water.
pH: 6.0–7.5, slightly acidic to neutral water.
Hardness: 5–15 dGH, though they adapt well to a wide range of hardness levels.
Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons for a single fish or a small group of 2–3 individuals. A 20-gallon tank or larger is ideal for a group.
Tank Setup for Red Colisa Gourami:
Substrate: Fine gravel or sand, which is gentle on their delicate bodies.
Plants: Live plants are important as they provide hiding spots, which the Gouramis appreciate. Plants like Java fern, Anubias, or Amazon sword are great choices.
Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable to highlight their colors. Avoid overly bright lighting, as they prefer subdued environments.
Water Flow: Low to moderate water flow, as they are not strong swimmers and prefer calmer waters.
Decor: Add floating plants and gentle decorations like rocks, driftwood, or caves for hiding spaces to create a stress-free environment.
Diet:
Red Colisa Gouramis are omnivores and need a varied diet to stay healthy:
Staple Foods: High-quality tropical fish flakes or pellets.
Protein Sources: Live or frozen foods like 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. Be cautious not to overfeed, as they are small fish and their food can easily cloud the water if left uneaten.
Behavior and Tankmates:
Behavior: Red Colisa Gouramis are generally peaceful and calm, making them great additions to community tanks. They may become more territorial during breeding, particularly the males, but otherwise, they are not aggressive.
Tankmates:
Compatible Species: Peaceful species like tetras (such as neon or cardinal tetras), Corydoras catfish, rasboras, and other peaceful small fish.
Avoid: Aggressive fish like bettas, cichlids, or fin-nipping species like tiger barbs, which could stress the Gouramis.
Breeding Red Colisa Gourami:
Breeding Red Colisa Gouramis can be relatively simple if the conditions are right:
Breeding Tank: Set up a separate breeding tank with warm water (28–30°C) and plants or floating spawning mops for egg laying.
Conditioning: Feed the breeding pair live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms to condition them for breeding.
Spawning Behavior: The male builds a bubble nest at the water surface and courts the female. During the courtship, the male displays his bright red color. Once the female is ready, she releases her eggs into the bubble nest, where the male fertilizes them.
Egg Care: After spawning, remove the female to prevent her from being harmed. The male guards the bubble nest until the eggs hatch, usually within 24–48 hours.
Fry Care: The fry are tiny and will initially need infusoria or specially formulated liquid fry food. As they grow, they can be fed finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp.
Care Tips:
Group Size: While the Red Colisa Gourami can live alone, it is often happier in a small group of 2–3 fish, as they are social creatures. However, avoid keeping multiple males together to prevent territorial aggression.
Water Quality: Regular water changes (about 20–30% each week) are important to maintain good water quality, as Gouramis are sensitive to poor water conditions.
Tankmates: Choose peaceful, small fish that won't compete for food or become aggressive.
Environment: Ensure plenty of plants, floating vegetation, and hiding spots for them to feel secure in their environment.
Why Choose Red Colisa Gourami?
Stunning Appearance: The males' vibrant red or orange coloration adds beautiful color to any aquarium, and they look especially striking under proper lighting.
Peaceful Nature: Their calm and peaceful nature makes them ideal for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish.
Easy to Care For: With simple care requirements, the Red Colisa Gourami is perfect for both beginner and experienced aquarium hobbyists.
Small Size: Their manageable size makes them well-suited for smaller tanks.
Conclusion:
The Red Colisa Gourami is a beautiful, peaceful, and relatively low-maintenance fish that adds both color and charm to any aquarium. With the proper water conditions, diet, and tankmates, they can thrive in a well-kept community aquarium and offer a calming presence with their graceful movements.