Giant red tail gourami
Osphronemus laticlavius
A rare Bornean giant with vivid red-edged fins and genuine personality.
About
Found in the freshwaters of Malaysia and Indonesia, Osphronemus laticlavius is a large gourami that was only described by science in the early 1990s and remains relatively uncommon in the hobby. Adults develop a deep body coloration ranging from blue-green to near-black, with vividly colored fin edges that develop filamentous extensions. A look that earns this fish a lot of attention when specimens do appear for sale. Like all gouramis, it is an obligate air-breather, meaning it must have access to the water surface at all times. Despite its aggressive reputation, much of that behavior seems to stem from being kept in cramped conditions. Given the enormous tank space it genuinely needs, this species tends to settle into a workable coexistence with other large tankmates like knifefish, big barbs, and sturdy catfish. It is omnivorous and reportedly straightforward to feed, which keeps it accessible even for less experienced keepers willing to commit to the space requirements. Captive breeding has not been documented, though its close relative O. goramy is a nest-builder with paternal care, and this species likely follows a similar pattern. One of its most appealing qualities is that it can develop a real sense of recognition toward its keeper over a lifespan that can stretch two decades.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Giant red tail gourami
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Giant red tail gourami get?
- The Giant red tail gourami reaches about 12–19.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Giant red tail gourami need?
- A minimum of 180 gallons is recommended for the Giant red tail gourami.
- What water parameters does the Giant red tail gourami need?
- The Giant red tail gourami does best with a temperature of 72–86°F, a pH of 6–8, hardness around 4–25 dGH.
- Is the Giant red tail gourami aggressive?
- The Giant red tail gourami is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Giant red tail gourami eat?
- The Giant red tail gourami is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Giant red tail gourami live?
- With good care, the Giant red tail gourami typically lives 10-20 years.