Red Robin Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) - A Peaceful, Vibrant Centerpiece Fish

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The Red Robin Gourami is a vibrant, selectively bred color variant of the Honey Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa). Known for its rich red to orange coloration and exceptionally peaceful nature, this small labyrinth fish is an ideal choice for planted nano and community aquariums.

Captively bred for enhanced color and consistency, the Red Robin Gourami maintains the gentle temperament and adaptability that make Honey Gouramis so beloved. Its slow, graceful swimming style and calm presence add warmth and balance to any thoughtfully aquascaped tank.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Intense Red Coloration: A bold red-orange body that stands out beautifully against green plants.
• Exceptionally Peaceful: One of the gentlest gourami species, well-suited for community and nano tanks.
• Labyrinth Breather: Able to breathe atmospheric air, allowing flexibility in aquarium setups.
• Small Adult Size: Ideal for aquariums where space and harmony are priorities.

Natural Habitat:

The Honey Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) was first documented in slow-moving, shallow waters of India and Bangladesh, including ponds, marshes, and densely vegetated streams. These environments are rich in plant life, leaf litter, and botanicals, with minimal water movement and warm, stable conditions.

The Red Robin Gourami is a selectively bred color variant developed in captivity, but it thrives in aquariums that recreate this calm, plant-filled habitat.

Aquascaping:

The Red Robin Gourami thrives in aquascapes that feel calm, layered, and richly planted. This species naturally occupies the mid to upper portions of the aquarium, moving gently through vegetation and often resting just beneath the surface.

A planted layout with dense midground growth and soft surface cover encourages confident behavior and enhances coloration. Gentle lighting filtered through floating plants creates dappled shadows that bring out the fish’s warm red tones while reducing stress.

Plants:

Thicker plant groupings help the Red Robin Gourami feel secure and encourage natural, unhurried movement through the tank. Broad-leaf plants provide resting points just below the surface, which this species frequently uses. Ideal choices include Java Fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, Water Sprite, and floating plants such as Frogbit or Salvinia.

Hardscape:

Wood with gentle curves and branching structure creates visual depth without overwhelming the aquascape. Position hardscape to form shaded corridors rather than open arches, reinforcing the calm, sheltered environment this fish prefers. Smooth stones and subtle elevation changes help anchor the layout naturally.

Botanicals:

As botanicals soften and break down, they subtly influence water tone and chemistry in ways that benefit both coloration and behavior. Their presence adds seasonal texture and keeps the aquarium visually dynamic over time. Aquatic Arts–branded Indian Almond Leaves, Catappa Bark, and Alder Cones introduce gentle tannins and help recreate a natural, leaf-littered environment. We recommend our Aquatic Arts Botanical Combo Pack for a variety of leaf litter that gourami love.

Water movement should remain gentle and diffused. Sponge filters or spray bars aimed along the back wall allow plants and hardscape to soften flow, creating quiet zones the gourami will return to repeatedly.

Surface structure is especially important. Floating plants, trailing roots, and overhanging wood provide a sense of enclosure while leaving open access to the surface for air breathing and bubble-nesting behavior.

Diet and Feeding:

Red Robin Gouramis are omnivorous and easy to feed. Offer high-quality flakes or micro pellets as a staple diet, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. A varied diet supports strong coloration and long-term health.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

Compatible tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, peaceful loaches, and other calm community fish. Avoid aggressive species or fin nippers. Best kept singly or as a male-female pair in smaller aquariums. This fish can be more aggressive than its relatives. 

Shrimp Compatibility:

Generally compatible with adult shrimp in a well-planted aquarium. While not an active predator, very small shrimp or shrimplets may be eaten opportunistically. Dense plants, mosses, and hardscape greatly improve coexistence.

Breeding:

Bubble nest builder. Breeding is possible in a dedicated setup with warm water, calm conditions, floating plants, and conditioned adults. Males will build and guard the bubble nest after spawning.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 74°–82°F (23°–28°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• KH: 2–8 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Social Behavior: Slighly aggressive; best kept singly or as a pair
• Origin: Captive bred, selectively bred color variant
• Average Adult Size: 3-4 inches
• Average Purchase Size: 0.75–2 inches

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