Red Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna) - Live Fish

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:

The Red Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna), also known as the Dwarf Honey Gourami, is a small, vibrant, and peaceful freshwater fish that is highly regarded in the aquarium hobby due to its stunning colors and calm demeanor. It is a variety of the Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna), known for its reddish-orange coloration, which stands out beautifully in community aquariums.

Below is a full description of the Red Honey Gourami:

Appearance
Body: The Red Honey Gourami has a small, compact, and somewhat oval-shaped body that is characteristic of the Trichogaster genus. Its overall size and shape make it well-suited to small to medium-sized aquariums.
Coloration: The Red Honey Gourami's most distinctive feature is its bright red or reddish-orange color. Males typically have a more intense red hue, especially on the belly and sides, giving them a striking appearance. The vibrant color can range from a soft honey-gold to a more intense, fiery red, depending on the fish’s environment and health.
Fins: The fish's fins are moderately long and somewhat translucent, with hints of red and orange. The dorsal fin extends along the top of the body, and the tail fin is rounded or slightly pointed. The pectoral fins are delicate and fan-like.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males are more colorful and vibrant compared to females, with a deep red or orange coloration that intensifies during breeding periods. Females are usually a paler yellow or light brown, with a less pronounced red hue. Males also tend to have slightly longer fins than females.
Size: The Red Honey Gourami is a small species, with males reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length, while females are slightly smaller.

Habitat and Distribution
Native Range: The Red Honey Gourami is native to South Asia, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. They are found in slow-moving streams, ponds, and rice paddies, where the water is warm, slightly acidic, and soft.
Aquarium Adaptability: Like other gouramis, the Red Honey Gourami is well-adapted to aquarium life. It is peaceful and easy to care for, making it an ideal species for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Behavior
Temperament: The Red Honey Gourami is a peaceful and calm fish, making it an excellent choice for community tanks. They are not aggressive and are generally non-territorial, though males can become slightly territorial during breeding seasons.
Social Nature: Red Honey Gouramis are social fish and do best when kept in pairs or small groups. However, it is recommended to keep one male with several females to avoid aggressive interactions between males.
Activity Level: Red Honey Gouramis are relatively calm swimmers, spending most of their time in the middle or lower levels of the aquarium. They are not particularly fast swimmers and prefer calm environments with gentle water movement. Like other labyrinth fish, they breathe atmospheric air, so they often swim near the water surface to take in air.

Diet
Omnivorous: The Red Honey Gourami is an omnivorous fish and will accept a wide variety of foods, both plant-based and animal-based. In the wild, their diet consists of small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter.
Feeding Tips: In captivity, they can be fed high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They also appreciate plant-based foods such as blanched spinach, algae wafers, or spirulina-based flakes.
Feeding Behavior: The Red Honey Gourami is not an aggressive eater and will share food peacefully with other tankmates. It is best to feed them in small portions 2-3 times a day to maintain a healthy diet.

Water Conditions
Temperature: Red Honey Gouramis thrive in warm water, with a temperature range of 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). They are sensitive to rapid temperature changes, so maintaining a stable environment is essential.
pH: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. They can tolerate slightly alkaline water but do best in mildly acidic conditions.
Hardness: The ideal water hardness for Red Honey Gouramis is soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) range of 4-12 dGH.
Water Quality: Like all gouramis, the Red Honey Gourami requires good water quality. It is important to maintain clean, well-filtered water and perform regular water changes to prevent the buildup of toxins.

Breeding
Breeding Behavior: The Red Honey Gourami is a bubble-nesting species. During the breeding season, the male will build a bubble nest at the surface of the water, typically near plants or other surface structures. He will then court a female by swimming in circles and displaying his vibrant colors.
Spawning: When the female is ready to spawn, she will release her eggs into the male’s bubble nest. The male fertilizes the eggs and places them in the nest. After spawning, the male guards the nest while the female is often removed to avoid aggression.
Eggs and Fry: The eggs typically hatch in 24-48 hours, and the fry become free-swimming after 3-4 days. During this time, the male guards the nest. The fry should be fed infusoria or other appropriate fry food until they are large enough to eat regular fish food.
Breeding Tank: It is best to set up a separate breeding tank with floating plants or a spawning mop to help the male build a stable bubble nest. Once the eggs hatch, the female should be removed to prevent any harm from the male, who can become aggressive in guarding the fry.

Lifespan
Longevity: The Red Honey Gourami typically lives for 3 to 4 years in an aquarium, though some individuals may live longer with optimal care.

Tank Requirements
Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) is recommended for a single pair of Red Honey Gouramis. A larger tank allows for better water stability and more swimming space.
Tankmates: Red Honey Gouramis are peaceful and can coexist with other small, non-aggressive fish, such as small tetras, rasboras, or peaceful catfish. They should not be kept with fin-nipping species or aggressive fish.
Aquascaping: These fish enjoy a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and floating plants. Plants like Java moss, Anubias, or floating plants like duckweed provide shelter and replicate their natural environment. A gentle filter is recommended, as they prefer calm waters without strong currents.

Health and Common Issues
Resilience: The Red Honey Gourami is a relatively hardy fish, but like all gouramis, it can be susceptible to common aquarium diseases such as Ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and dropsy, especially if water quality is poor or they are stressed.
Labyrinth Organ: Like other gouramis, the Red Honey Gourami has a labyrinth organ that allows it to breathe atmospheric air. It is important to ensure that they have access to the surface of the water to breathe.
Prevention: Maintaining good water quality, providing a varied diet, and avoiding overcrowding are the best ways to prevent health problems.

The Red Honey Gourami is a beautiful, peaceful fish that adds color and elegance to a freshwater aquarium. Its vibrant red-orange coloration, calm nature, and relatively easy care requirements make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. With the right tank conditions, compatible tankmates, and proper care, the Red Honey Gourami can thrive and bring beauty to any community aquarium for several years.