Sunset Thicklip Gourami – Trichogaster labiosa

The Sunset Thicklip Gourami (Trichogaster labiosa) is a selectively bred color form of the Thick-lipped Gourami, known for its warm orange, gold, and sunset-red coloration.

This peaceful labyrinth fish is larger and more robust than a Honey Gourami but generally calmer than many other gourami species. It is an excellent choice for planted community aquariums with gentle water movement and plenty of cover.

Key Features

• Beautiful orange, gold, and sunset coloration
• Selectively bred color form of the Thick-lipped Gourami
• Peaceful freshwater community fish
• Generally hardy and adaptable
• Excellent for planted aquariums
• Uses a labyrinth organ to breathe atmospheric air
• Prefers gentle water movement
• Bubble-nest spawning species

Fish Information

• Common Name: Sunset Thicklip Gourami
• Also Known As: Sunset Thick-lipped Gourami, Thicklip Gourami
• Scientific Name: Trichogaster labiosa
• Family: Osphronemidae
• Origin of Wild Species: Southern Myanmar
• Variety: Selectively bred Sunset / Gold color strain
• Water Type: Freshwater
• Temperament: Peaceful to mildly territorial
• Adult Size: Approximately 3.5–4 inches
• Swimming Level: Middle to upper levels
• Diet: Omnivore
• Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Color and Appearance

The Sunset Thicklip Gourami is bred for an overall orange, gold, peach, or reddish coloration rather than the barred pattern of the wild form.

Color intensity can vary between individuals, and mature males may develop stronger coloration and more pointed fins.

Unlike many ornamental gourami strains, females of the Sunset Thicklip form can also remain quite colorful.

Adult Size

Adult Sunset Thicklip Gouramis generally reach approximately 3.5–4 inches.

Seriously Fish lists the species at about 100 mm standard length, while FishBase reports a maximum total length of approximately 9 cm.

Recommended Aquarium Size

A 20-gallon aquarium or larger is a practical minimum for a single Sunset Thicklip Gourami.

A 30-gallon or larger aquarium is preferred for a pair or community setup, especially when keeping multiple gouramis.

Recommended Water Parameters

• Temperature: Approximately 72–81°F
• pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Approximately 5–15 dGH
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Kept low through regular maintenance

Stable water quality is more important than maintaining one exact pH value.

Aquarium Setup

Sunset Thicklip Gouramis do best in a well-planted aquarium with shaded areas, floating vegetation, and gentle water movement.

• Use a fully cycled freshwater aquarium
• Provide gentle filtration
• Avoid excessively strong current
• Add live plants for cover
• Use floating plants to provide shade and security
• Provide driftwood or other aquarium-safe décor
• Leave open areas for swimming
• Use a secure aquarium lid

Labyrinth Organ

Like other gouramis, the Sunset Thicklip Gourami has a specialized labyrinth organ that allows it to breathe atmospheric air at the water surface.

Regular trips to the surface are normal behavior and should not automatically be interpreted as oxygen deficiency.

Keep some open surface access available and avoid completely covering the surface with floating plants.

Feeding

Sunset Thicklip Gouramis are omnivores and readily accept a varied aquarium diet.

• High-quality tropical flakes
• Small or medium pellets
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Frozen daphnia
• Frozen mysis shrimp
• Bloodworms as an occasional supplemental food
• Spirulina or vegetable-based foods

Feed small portions once or twice daily and avoid overfeeding.

Temperament

Sunset Thicklip Gouramis are generally peaceful and suitable for many community aquariums.

Males may become territorial toward other gouramis, particularly in smaller tanks or during breeding.

Providing plants, visual barriers, and adequate aquarium space can reduce territorial disputes.

Compatible Tankmates

Potential tankmates include:

• Peaceful tetras
• Rasboras
• Peaceful barbs
• Corydoras
• Loaches
• Small to medium rainbowfish
• Peaceful livebearers
• Other similarly sized community fish

Avoid aggressive fish and persistent fin nippers.

Keeping Multiple Gouramis

Sunset Thicklip Gouramis can sometimes be kept with other peaceful gouramis in sufficiently large aquariums, but individual temperament varies.

Males may defend territories, especially when preparing to breed. Multiple hiding areas and visual barriers are recommended.

Male vs. Female

Mature males are usually somewhat slimmer and may develop stronger coloration with more pointed dorsal and anal fins.

Females are generally fuller-bodied and may have more rounded fins.

Sexing young fish can be difficult.

Breeding

Sunset Thicklip Gouramis are bubble-nest builders.

A mature male may construct a nest of bubbles near the water surface, often among floating plants.

During spawning, the male wraps around the female as eggs are released. The eggs float upward and are collected into the bubble nest.

The male typically guards the nest and eggs after spawning.

Plants and Aquascaping

This species is an excellent choice for planted freshwater aquariums.

Suitable plants include:

• Cryptocoryne
• Anubias
• Java fern
• Amazon swords
• Vallisneria
• Water sprite
• Floating plants

Floating vegetation is particularly useful because it creates shaded areas and can provide support for bubble nests.

Important Care Notes

• Keep in a fully cycled aquarium.
• Maintain ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm.
• Provide gentle water movement.
• Use plants and floating vegetation for cover.
• Maintain open access to the water surface.
• Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping tankmates.
• Expect males to become more territorial during breeding.
• Never release aquarium fish into local waterways.

Frequently Asked Questions

How large do Sunset Thicklip Gouramis get?
Adults generally reach approximately 3.5–4 inches.

Are Sunset Thicklip Gouramis peaceful?
Yes. They are generally considered peaceful gouramis, although males may become territorial toward other gouramis.

What size aquarium do they need?
A 20-gallon aquarium or larger is a practical minimum for one, while 30 gallons or larger is preferable for a pair or community setup.

Is the Sunset Thicklip Gourami the same as a Honey Gourami?
No. The Sunset Thicklip Gourami is Trichogaster labiosa, while the Honey Gourami is Trichogaster chuna. Thicklip Gouramis grow noticeably larger.

Is it the same as a Sunset Dwarf Gourami?
No. Sunset Dwarf Gouramis are color forms of Trichogaster lalius. The Sunset Thicklip Gourami is a different species and is generally larger and more robust.

Do they need floating plants?
Floating plants are not absolutely required, but they are highly beneficial because they provide shade, security, and potential bubble-nest support.

Why does my gourami keep going to the surface?
Gouramis have a labyrinth organ and naturally breathe atmospheric air from the surface.

Are they good beginner gouramis?
Yes. Their generally peaceful nature, manageable adult size, and adaptability make them a good option for many community aquariums.

Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo

Sunset Thicklip Gouramis are available at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.

Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only and are not available for shipping.