This guide is accurate for dwarf gouramis, pearl gouramis, kissing gouramis, blue (three spot) gouramis, and honey gouramis. Note that kissing gouramis may be more difficult to breed than the others, and require a larger tank. True gouramis and chocolate gouramis are especially difficult to care for and breed, and the process is not covered in this article. The chocolate gourami, and some other species, care for the eggs in a parent’s mouth. [1] X Research source If your gouramis do not belong to the species listed above, or if you are not certain of the species, you may still use this guide, but you may have a lower success rate or encounter unexpected difficulties.

Gathering this type of food on your own increases the risk of passing on diseases to your fish, and is not recommended without the advice of a local expert.

It may be easier to notice the change in size looking down from above.

In some gourami species, females have a more rounded dorsal and anal fin (along the spine and near the anus), while the males have a more pointed one. Kissing gourami are difficult to identify by appearance. However, if two of the gourami are “kissing,” they likely belong to the same sex, and are fighting for dominance. If all your fish seem “swollen,” try withholding their food for three or four days. Overweight males may slim down during this time, while egg bearing females probably will not. [2] X Research source

Kissing gourami will only spawn in a large tank, at least 24 inches (60 cm) deep and at least 36 inches (91 cm) long. [4] X Research source Pearl gourami can be bred in a tank with this water depth, but the tank should be at least 31 inches (80 cm) long. [5] X Research source Blue, or three-spot, gourami can be bred in this tank size, but a somewhat larger tank will work as well. [6] X Research source A larger tank may minimize stress and injury to the female. Species that grow more than 10 inches (25 cm) long, including the true gourami and giant gourami, may require much larger tanks. Consult an expert before attempting to breed these species, with the exception of the kissing gourami described above.

Upturned clay pots and other common aquarium additions can also be added to create hiding spots. If putting rocks in the tank, be sure these are bought from an aquarium store, as rocks gathered in lakes and rivers may alter the pH of the water.

Do not cover more than 1/3 of the water surface, as gouramis need to take oxygen directly from the air as well as the water.

While this is not necessary for adult gourami, young fry are highly susceptible to air temperature changes, and could die if the air becomes too cold.

Warning: Do not transfer fish between tanks with different temperatures. Instead, gradually increase the temperature of the tank after the breeding fish have been introduced. The temperature and pH ranges given here are a narrow band suitable for all the common gourami species mentioned at the beginning of this guide. If you have identified your gourami species, you may be able to search online for a broader range of acceptable conditions for that species.

The male may cause minor bruising or scrapes on the female while chasing her. If the female sustains more serious injuries, or is being harassed around the clock, consider adding a second female to divide the male’s attention.

In many gourami species, the male will create a nest of bubbles before mating occurs. This nest may be in a corner of a tank, or on the underside of a floating object. The two fish may “dance” around each other, eventually touching and wriggling against each other. In some species, they will latch together and one will roll onto its back. As the female lays eggs (usually hundreds or thousands), the male may pick these up in his mouth and move them to the bubble nest. In species that do not construct bubble nests, the eggs are typically strewn around into the water.

The male may not eat much or at all while he is caring for the eggs. Pay attention to his eating habits and reduce the amount of food if necessary to avoid making the water dirty.

Infusoria can be grown at home by keeping a small piece of lettuce or potato in a jar of water in a sunny area. After a few days, the water should turn cloudy, then clear, and can then be fed to the fry in small amounts. [13] X Research source