Opaline Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus)

Description

Opaline Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus)

Bold, intelligent and beautifully marbled, the Opaline Blue Gourami is a striking colour variety of the Three Spot Gourami. Its shimmering blue body, marbled pattern and inquisitive personality make it an impressive centrepiece fish for larger community aquariums with equally robust tank mates.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Trichopodus trichopterus
  • Common name: Opaline Blue Gourami, Opaline Gourami
  • Current size: Approximately 5–7 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 12–15 cm
  • Tank size: 150L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
  • Social needs: Best kept singly, as a compatible pair, or with carefully selected tank mates

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want a large, colourful feature fish with plenty of personality.
  • You have a spacious aquarium with plants and hiding places.
  • You keep medium-sized community fish that can hold their own.
  • You enjoy observing intelligent fish behaviour.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep very small or timid fish.
  • You house slow-moving fish with long flowing fins.
  • Your aquarium is overcrowded.
  • You plan to keep multiple adult males in a small aquarium.

Why choose the Opaline Blue Gourami?

The Opaline Blue Gourami is one of the most popular gourami varieties thanks to its beautiful marbled blue, silver and white colouration. Every fish develops a unique pattern, making each individual slightly different from the next.

As members of the labyrinth fish family, they possess a specialised organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. You'll often see them calmly swimming to the surface for a quick gulp of air—a completely natural behaviour.

They are curious, interactive fish that quickly learn to recognise their keeper and eagerly investigate activity around the aquarium. While generally peaceful towards larger community fish, mature individuals can become territorial, particularly males during breeding periods.

Benefits

  • Beautiful marbled blue colouration
  • Excellent centrepiece fish
  • Intelligent and interactive personality
  • Hardy and adaptable
  • Suitable for larger planted aquariums
  • Long-lived with proper care

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28°C
  • pH: 6.5–8.0
  • Diet: Quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods, live foods and occasional vegetable matter
  • Water: Clean, stable with gentle to moderate water movement
  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
  • Setup: Driftwood, rocks, dense planting and open swimming space with floating plants where possible
  • Provide plenty of visual barriers to reduce territorial behaviour.
  • Leave access to the water surface, as labyrinth fish regularly breathe atmospheric air.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Congo Tetras
  • Rainbowfish
  • Larger Corydoras
  • Bristlenose Catfish
  • Peaceful Loaches
NTA Insight:
Despite their peaceful appearance, Opaline Blue Gouramis are best described as semi-aggressive rather than true community fish. They thrive when given space to establish a territory and are best combined with confident, similarly sized companions. Well-planted aquariums with floating plants and driftwood help reduce stress and encourage more natural behaviour.

FAQ

Is the Opaline Blue Gourami the same as a Three Spot Gourami?

Yes. The Opaline Blue Gourami is a selectively bred colour variety of the Three Spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus). The "third spot" is actually the fish's eye, giving rise to the common name.

Are Opaline Blue Gouramis aggressive?

They are considered semi-aggressive. While generally peaceful in spacious aquariums, mature males can become territorial, especially towards other gouramis or similar-looking fish.

Why do they swim to the surface?

Like all labyrinth fish, they possess a specialised organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. Surface breathing is completely normal.

Can they live with shrimp?

Large adult shrimp may coexist with Opaline Gouramis, but smaller shrimp and shrimplets are likely to be viewed as food.

Can they be kept in pairs?

Yes, provided the aquarium is spacious with plenty of hiding places. Many aquarists also successfully keep a single specimen as a feature fish.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Yes. Their hardy nature makes them suitable for beginners, provided they are housed in an appropriately sized aquarium with compatible tank mates.

How long do Opaline Blue Gouramis live?

With excellent care, a varied diet and stable water conditions, they commonly live for 5–7 years, with some individuals living even longer.

Opaline Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus)

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$20.00


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    Description

    Opaline Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus)

    Bold, intelligent and beautifully marbled, the Opaline Blue Gourami is a striking colour variety of the Three Spot Gourami. Its shimmering blue body, marbled pattern and inquisitive personality make it an impressive centrepiece fish for larger community aquariums with equally robust tank mates.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Trichopodus trichopterus
    • Common name: Opaline Blue Gourami, Opaline Gourami
    • Current size: Approximately 5–7 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 12–15 cm
    • Tank size: 150L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
    • Social needs: Best kept singly, as a compatible pair, or with carefully selected tank mates

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want a large, colourful feature fish with plenty of personality.
    • You have a spacious aquarium with plants and hiding places.
    • You keep medium-sized community fish that can hold their own.
    • You enjoy observing intelligent fish behaviour.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep very small or timid fish.
    • You house slow-moving fish with long flowing fins.
    • Your aquarium is overcrowded.
    • You plan to keep multiple adult males in a small aquarium.

    Why choose the Opaline Blue Gourami?

    The Opaline Blue Gourami is one of the most popular gourami varieties thanks to its beautiful marbled blue, silver and white colouration. Every fish develops a unique pattern, making each individual slightly different from the next.

    As members of the labyrinth fish family, they possess a specialised organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. You'll often see them calmly swimming to the surface for a quick gulp of air—a completely natural behaviour.

    They are curious, interactive fish that quickly learn to recognise their keeper and eagerly investigate activity around the aquarium. While generally peaceful towards larger community fish, mature individuals can become territorial, particularly males during breeding periods.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful marbled blue colouration
    • Excellent centrepiece fish
    • Intelligent and interactive personality
    • Hardy and adaptable
    • Suitable for larger planted aquariums
    • Long-lived with proper care

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28°C
    • pH: 6.5–8.0
    • Diet: Quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods, live foods and occasional vegetable matter
    • Water: Clean, stable with gentle to moderate water movement
    • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
    • Setup: Driftwood, rocks, dense planting and open swimming space with floating plants where possible
    • Provide plenty of visual barriers to reduce territorial behaviour.
    • Leave access to the water surface, as labyrinth fish regularly breathe atmospheric air.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Congo Tetras
    • Rainbowfish
    • Larger Corydoras
    • Bristlenose Catfish
    • Peaceful Loaches
    NTA Insight:
    Despite their peaceful appearance, Opaline Blue Gouramis are best described as semi-aggressive rather than true community fish. They thrive when given space to establish a territory and are best combined with confident, similarly sized companions. Well-planted aquariums with floating plants and driftwood help reduce stress and encourage more natural behaviour.

    FAQ

    Is the Opaline Blue Gourami the same as a Three Spot Gourami?

    Yes. The Opaline Blue Gourami is a selectively bred colour variety of the Three Spot Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus). The "third spot" is actually the fish's eye, giving rise to the common name.

    Are Opaline Blue Gouramis aggressive?

    They are considered semi-aggressive. While generally peaceful in spacious aquariums, mature males can become territorial, especially towards other gouramis or similar-looking fish.

    Why do they swim to the surface?

    Like all labyrinth fish, they possess a specialised organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. Surface breathing is completely normal.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Large adult shrimp may coexist with Opaline Gouramis, but smaller shrimp and shrimplets are likely to be viewed as food.

    Can they be kept in pairs?

    Yes, provided the aquarium is spacious with plenty of hiding places. Many aquarists also successfully keep a single specimen as a feature fish.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Their hardy nature makes them suitable for beginners, provided they are housed in an appropriately sized aquarium with compatible tank mates.

    How long do Opaline Blue Gouramis live?

    With excellent care, a varied diet and stable water conditions, they commonly live for 5–7 years, with some individuals living even longer.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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