Osphronemus goramy

Question
Hi Susan:
I can't seem to find an answer for my question. What size (length and weight) does this type male fish and 2 females (no other fish in tank) gain on a monthly basis from a fingerling to maturity when it breeds? Assuming he gets 32% to 35% protein pellets and the veggies and fruits all in moderation (fed 2 or 3 times per day but small portions with no leftovers), and the water is at 80 to 85 degrees Far., and he's living in a 1000 gal tank with floating duckweed, lotus, and Java fern, and ph is around 7 with 2 ppm ammonia or less, 1ppm nitrites or less, and 150 ppm nitrates or less. If you can think of anything else to add that would enhance the growth rate to maturity, please advise. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Jim,
While I do not know the weight of the fish in question I do know that with info I have gathered that in four years these fish can grow from 75 mm to 500 mm! With standard inches that is about 2.95 to about 19 inches!

No doubt that the most important keys for good growth and health are large water changes (keeping the nitrates down as low as possible) and feeding a varied diet. I'd definitely advise lowering the nitrate level with large water changes.

It sounds like you have a great tank setup for them now.

Giant gouramis are able to breed at about 2 years.

Your tank should also contain almost zero readings of ammonia and nitrites. So be careful with that.

Otherwise I feel you are off to a great start. My best wishes and good luck!
Susan~