TankBud

Seven-banded giant gourami

Osphronemus septemfasciatus

Also known as Red kaloi, Giant red gourami, Sevenbar giant gourami

FreshwaterFish

Seven-banded giant gourami (Osphronemus septemfasciatus)

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
19.7 in
50 cm
Minimum tank
264 gal
1,000 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Hard
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Osphronemidae
Origin
Endemic to Borneo, in the large slow rivers of Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan.

Overview

The seven-banded giant gourami is a mostly peaceful monster fish for keepers with a huge tank or an indoor pond. It is best kept by someone with a little experience.

Did you know

The seven-banded giant gourami keeps its seven body bands into adulthood. That is unusual, since most giant gouramis fade to a plain color as they grow.

Caring for the seven-banded giant gourami

The seven-banded giant gourami commonly reaches 19.7 in (50 cm) and can grow larger. Give it a very large aquarium of at least 264 gal (1,000 L). For adults, a heated indoor pond is the realistic choice.

Keep the water at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C), with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, and run powerful filtration. Feed an omnivorous mix of vegetables, pellets and some meaty foods.

It becomes territorial in tight quarters, so pair it only with other large, sturdy fish. Breeding it is hard.

Good to know

Osphronemus septemfasciatus is a giant gourami in the family Osphronemidae, named for its seven dark bars. It is one of four recognized Osphronemus species. Most sold are juveniles, but the species is recorded at over 70 cm and more than 20 kg in the wild. It is an obligate air-breather that must reach the surface to breathe.

In the wild

The seven-banded giant gourami is endemic to Borneo, in the large, slow rivers of Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan. It lives in the main channels, and juveniles also use larger tributaries. The water is often soft and tannin-stained where it flows through peat and forest.

Common questions

What size tank does a seven-banded giant gourami need?

A seven-banded giant gourami needs at least 264 gal (1,000 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a seven-banded giant gourami need?

A seven-banded giant gourami is comfortable at 72–82°F (22–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a seven-banded giant gourami eat?

A seven-banded giant gourami eats an omnivorous mix of vegetables, pellets and some meaty foods.

How big does a seven-banded giant gourami get?

An adult seven-banded giant gourami reaches about 19.7 in (50 cm).

Related species