Giant Gouramis are the largest fish in the family Osphronemidae, which includes many smaller varieties of gouramis including pearl gouramis, which can be found in our Tropical Asian Rivers exhibit in Rivers of the World. Gouramis can live in oxygen poor environments, such as bogs, because they have a specialized labyrinth breathing apparatus that allows them to breathe air. Gouramis are bubblenest builders, like Siamese fighting fish, or Bettas. The male builds a dense nest of bubbles and lures the female over to it for mating. He then guards the eggs until they hatch a few days later. Partly in consequence of its size, the Giant Gourami is a significant food fish.
Range
Native to the Southeast Asian countries of Java, Sumatra and Bornio
Habitat
Fresh or brackish water, particularly slow-moving areas such as swamps, lakes and large rivers.
Diet
Gourami tend towards vegetarianism, preferring algae-based foods but will eat meaty foods such as shrimp brine
