The gouramis are small tropical ornamental fish with bright spots that look especially beautiful under lights. They are adaptable, not picky eaters, and easy to keep, making them suitable for beginners. So how big do gouramis grow? Details are as follows:
How big can a gouramis grow?
Adult gouramis can grow to about 10-15 cm in length, but their size can vary depending on the environment and care they receive. Under good conditions, they can easily grow to over 10 cm.
How to distinguish between male and female gouramis?
1. Body shape
Female gouramis are short and rounded, while males are relatively long and slender.
2. Body color
Male gouramis have more vibrant colors than females, which can be seen from their pectoral fins. The base of the pectoral fins of male gouramis is a distinct orange-red, while the orange-red coloration is less pronounced in female gouramis.
3. Dorsal and anal fins
Male gouramis have a longer dorsal fin that almost connects with their tail fin, and the rear ends of their dorsal and anal fins are pointed. Female gouramis have a shorter dorsal fin, and the rear ends of their dorsal and anal fins are more rounded.
4. Abdomen
The female gouramis develop a full abdomen, while the male's abdomen is relatively flat.
5. Reproductive characteristics
Once sexually mature, gouramis are easier to identify. At this stage, the female's belly is rounder and fuller than the male's, as she is about to lay eggs. The male will then build a bubble nest and chase the female to lay eggs. The male will deposit the fertilized eggs into the bubble to incubate them. Each female lays 500-1000 eggs at a time. After spawning, the female is removed from the nest, leaving the male to care for the eggs. Because the female might accidentally eat the eggs, after breeding, the male will actively drive the female away to prevent her from approaching the eggs.
