Giant Gourami (Osphronemus goramy) is a advanced-level freshwater fish that needs at least 300 gallons and 72-82°F. Small giant gouramis are sold young, but they grow to two feet and need a pond-size aquarium.

Care facts at a glance

Scientific nameOsphronemus goramy
FamilyOsphronemidae
OriginSoutheast Asia
Adult size24 in
Minimum tank300 gallons
Temperature72-82°F
pH6.0-8.0
TemperamentLarge, may be aggressive
Social behaviorSolitary
Swim levelMid
DifficultyAdvanced
DietOmnivore: pellets, vegetables, frozen foods
Typical lifespan15+ years

Quick tips

  • Only for very large tanks.
  • Plan for decades of care.

San Diego water

Tolerates San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water (pH roughly 7.6-8.6) with slow acclimation and a conditioner that handles chloramine. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.

Before you buy

Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.

Find it at Pet Zone

Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.

Pet Zone Convoy

4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm

Aquascaping, planted tanks

Pet Zone Mid-City

4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Monster fish, koi