Sunset Thicklip Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa)

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The Sunset Thicklip Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) is a beautiful freshwater aquarium fish admired for its attractive golden-yellow, orange, and reddish coloration. This selectively bred color variety of the Thicklip Gourami is an excellent choice for planted aquariums and peaceful tropical community tanks.

Its elegant body shape, graceful swimming behavior, and vibrant sunset coloration make it an attractive centerpiece fish. Color intensity may change depending on the fish’s age, environment, diet, and overall condition.

What We Like About This Fish

• Beautiful golden-orange and sunset coloration
• Graceful swimming behavior
• Generally peaceful with suitable tank mates
• Attractive centerpiece fish for planted aquariums
• Interesting personality and feeding behavior
• Labyrinth fish capable of breathing atmospheric air
• Suitable for established freshwater community aquariums
• Coloration can become more pronounced as the fish matures

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Recommended Tank Size: 60L or larger for a single fish
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Water Flow: Gentle to moderate
• Lighting: Low to moderate, with shaded areas
• Tank Setup: Planted aquarium with floating plants, hiding places, and open swimming areas

Care Guidelines

Sunset Thicklip Gouramis do best in a mature, stable, and well-maintained freshwater aquarium. Dense aquatic vegetation, floating plants, driftwood, and sheltered areas help the fish feel secure and display natural behavior.

They are omnivorous and accept a variety of foods, including high-quality tropical flakes, small pellets, frozen foods, and suitable live foods. Brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms can be offered as part of a varied diet.

Although generally peaceful, males may become territorial toward other gouramis, especially during breeding. Provide adequate space and visual barriers, and avoid aggressive or persistent fin-nipping tank mates.

As labyrinth fish, Sunset Thicklip Gouramis regularly visit the surface to breathe atmospheric air. Ensure they have unobstructed access to the water surface.

Origin

The Thicklip Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa), previously classified as Colisa labiosa, originates from Myanmar in Southeast Asia. The Sunset Thicklip Gourami is a selectively bred ornamental color variety produced for its attractive golden-orange coloration.

Average Adult Size

Approximately 8–10cm (3–4 inches) under suitable aquarium conditions.

Average Purchase Size

Approximately 3–4cm (1.2–1.6 inches). Actual purchase size may vary depending on available stock.

Schooling Fish

No. Sunset Thicklip Gouramis are not schooling fish. They can be kept individually or with compatible gouramis when sufficient aquarium space and hiding places are available.

Males may become territorial, particularly in smaller aquariums or during breeding. Monitor their behavior when keeping multiple individuals together.

Shrimp Safe

Not reliably shrimp safe. Sunset Thicklip Gouramis may eat small shrimp and shrimplets. Larger adult shrimp may coexist with some individuals, but compatibility cannot be guaranteed. They are not recommended for aquariums where shrimp breeding is a priority.

Natural Habitat and Behavior

Thicklip Gouramis naturally inhabit freshwater environments with slow-moving water and abundant aquatic vegetation. They prefer calm areas with plant cover and access to the surface.

Like other gouramis, they possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. Their curious nature and gentle swimming behavior make them interesting fish to observe.

Aquascaping and Aquarium Setup

Sunset Thicklip Gouramis look particularly attractive in planted aquariums containing natural decorations, floating vegetation, and open swimming areas.

Recommended Plants

• Java Fern
• Anubias
• Cryptocoryne
• Hygrophila
• Java Moss
• Salvinia
• Amazon Frogbit

Recommended Hardscape

• Driftwood
• Natural roots
• Smooth aquarium rocks
• Sheltered hiding areas

Floating plants are especially beneficial because they provide shade and cover near the surface, helping the fish feel secure.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

Sunset Thicklip Gouramis can be kept with many peaceful freshwater community fish, including:

• Peaceful Tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras Catfish
• Otocinclus Catfish
• Kuhli Loaches
• Other appropriately sized peaceful community fish

Avoid aggressive fish, persistent fin-nippers, and overly territorial tank mates. Compatibility depends on aquarium size and the temperament of individual fish.

Why Choose Sunset Thicklip Gourami?

The Sunset Thicklip Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a colorful, graceful, and interesting freshwater centerpiece fish. Its attractive golden-orange coloration, generally peaceful temperament, and suitability for planted aquariums make it a beautiful addition to established community tanks. With proper nutrition, stable water conditions, and compatible tank mates, this gourami can become a standout feature of your aquarium.

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