Seven-barred giant gourami (Osphronemus septemfasciatus)

Family: Osphronemidae

Seven-barred giant gourami — a Osphronemidae freshwater fish. Reaches 37.5–55 cm; keep at 24–30 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 24–30 °C
pH: 6.5–8
GH hardness: 5–19 dGH
Adult length: 37.5–55 cm
Minimum tank: 500 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Territorial; one male per tank

Species overview

A Osphronemidae species: Osphronemus septemfasciatus lives bottom-dwelling over still waters, rice paddies and slow streams. Territorial; one male per tank. Adults reach 37.5–55 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Osphronemus species we profile, alongside Osphronemus goramy, Osphronemus exodon.

Native biotope

Habitat: Still waters, rice paddies and slow streams
Flow: Still to very gentle water
Dissolved O₂: Tolerates low oxygen; labyrinth breather

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Soft sand with leaf litter
Hardscape: Dense planting and shelters
Plants: Dense hardy plants reaching the surface

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Solitary, pairs or small groups
Diet: Carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live
Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males larger with longer fins
Breeding method: Bubble-nest builder with paternal care

Frequently asked questions

Is Seven-barred giant gourami easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: territorial; one male per tank; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Seven-barred giant gourami need?

Hold 24–30 °C and keep it stable — 24–30.0 °C typical for the genus. Heater required; stable warmth.

How big does Seven-barred giant gourami get, and what tank size?

Full size is 37.5–55 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Seven-barred giant gourami eat?

Carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Seven-barred giant gourami live with other fish?

Territorial; one male per tank. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Seven-barred giant gourami come from?

It lives in still waters, rice paddies and slow streams. Still to very gentle water; Tolerates low oxygen; labyrinth breather.

Does Seven-barred giant gourami jump?

A confirmed jumper: fit a tight lid and lower the waterline slightly.

How does Seven-barred giant gourami breed?

In the aquarium: bubble-nest builder with paternal care. Males larger with longer fins.