Banded Gourami

About

The banded gourami (Colisa fasciata) is a medium-sized labyrinth fish from the Indian subcontinent, ranging across Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and upper Myanmar. Males display warm orange and teal-green banding along the body, making them one of the more visually interesting gouramis in the hobby. Like all labyrinthfish, they breathe atmospheric air directly and will regularly visit the surface. This is normal behavior, not a sign of poor water quality, though good surface access is essential. In the wild they occupy a wide variety of habitats including large rivers, estuaries, ponds, ditches, and lakes, and they show a clear preference for areas with plenty of vegetation. That fondness for plant cover translates well to the aquarium. A well-planted tank with some open swimming space suits them nicely. Temperament is generally peaceful toward other species, but males can be somewhat pushy with females, so keeping two females per male helps distribute any attention. They won't typically injure tankmates, but a lone female in a small space can end up stressed. Care is intermediate rather than beginner-level, partly because they appreciate stable, slightly soft and acidic to neutral water conditions. With good care, expect a lifespan in the five-to-eight-year range.