Gouramis (see details) are quite popular among fish enthusiasts. There are two types: blue gouramis and yellow gouramis. Yellow gouramis are a variant of blue gouramis and are relatively easy to keep. I previously kept a yellow gouramis and crystal shrimp in the tank. The crystal shrimp were instantly killed by the yellow gouramis, demonstrating its astonishing fighting power.
The Yellow Gouramis has an oval body, slightly flattened on both sides, and a shallowly forked tail fin. It can grow to about 10-14 cm in length. Depending on genetics, its color can range from light yellow to golden yellow. The upper and lower fins are translucent yellow, covered with yellow spots, especially the anal and caudal fins. Under light, it shimmers and is very eye-catching. Yellow Gouramis are relatively docile and not aggressive, so they can be kept with other docile tropical fish of similar size. However, it's best if they are also of similar size, as gouramis tend to bully smaller species.Some people ask what yellow gouramis eat. Yellow gouramis are omnivorous, primarily feeding on general animal-based food, but they can also be occasionally fed bloodworms to accelerate growth. Many small ornamental fish feel insecure in large tanks, so it's necessary to supplement their diet with aquatic plants or artificial rocks. Furthermore, yellow gouramis prefer a quiet environment, so avoid disturbing them too much.
Yellow gouramis are oviparous fish and relatively easy to breed, but the breeding environment needs to be properly set up. The ideal breeding water temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius. They prefer aged water with a hardness between 5 and 8 and a pH between 5.5 and 8.5. It is best to prepare a separate breeding tank for yellow gouramis. During breeding, like many oviparous fish, they will build a bubble nest to attract females to reproduce.
Generally speaking, gouramis are relatively easy to keep; with a little care, mortality is rare. They also have a simple yet elegant appearance. However, thinking about my crystal shrimp, I do feel a little heartbroken.
