In this post, we will learn about the relationship between Angelfish and Honey Gourami. We will also discuss their biology, requirements, and if they can live together in the aquarium.
Angelfish and Honey Gourami
Angelfish and Honey Gourami are amazing freshwater species that can be a great addition to a community tank. Their natural habitats and requirements are similar and they make amazing tank mates to each other.
Honey Gourami
Honey Gouramis are beginner-friendly fish. They are recommended for inexperienced aquarium hobbyists. In general, they are peaceful, although they are territorial fish. Their lifespan is between 4 and 8 years and they can grow up to 3 inches.
The Honey Gouramis are top to middle-dwelling fish. Which means they prefer occupying the water column and the surface area. They are shy and may need some time before feeling completely safe in the tank. For this reason, they may take some time to show their bright colours.
They appreciate being in the company of conspecifics (4 to 6 individuals), although plenty of space is recommended to avoid territory competition and aggressive behaviours. They can even establish some kind of hierarchy and dominance within the group. And this is mostly shown during feeding time.
Due to the territory competition and hierarchy, it is important to provide
dense vegetation for hiding spots, and thus, avoid chasing and bullying behaviours.
In the wild, to capture some flying prey, they squirt water at them. Then, when the prey falls into the water, they devour them. Similarly, to other Gourami species, they have a labyrinth organ, which assists them in breathing behaviours. Thus, they get some air directly from the water surface when in poorly oxygenated environments.
Honey Gourami Habitat and Care
The Honey Gouramis are native to the South Asian freshwaters bodies. They inhabit rivers, lakes, ponds, and sometimes flooded plains. These areas are heavily vegetated slow-moving waters.
When in a tank, the Hone Gourami will appreciate environments resembling their natural habitat. This is important for their wellbeing and assists in reducing stress levels. Their natural habitats have a fine sandy substrate with some rocks.
Vegetation is a very important feature to have in Honey Gouramis tanks. They use the plants as hiding places and also as a food source. It is important to keep the surface without too many floating plants, as the Honey Gourami tend to breathe on the surface as well.
Although Honey Gouramis are considered hardy fish, they are quite sensitive to temperature changes due to their labyrinth organ. For this motive, it is important to use a heater and a thermostat to keep the temperature of the water stable.
Temperatures should range between 71 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels between 6 and 7.5. Their lighting requirement is moderate. Water changes routine is also highly recommended, at least 25% changed weekly. These fish also require a good filtration system, to avoid toxins level increasing.
Regarding tank size, the Honey Gouramis require 10 gallons per individual/ Thus, a pair of Honey Gourami would require at least a 20-gallon tank.
Honey Gourami Feeding habits
The Honey Gouramis are omnivores. In the wild, they feed on almost anything, from zooplankton to insects and small invertebrates. They can also feed on some vegetation sometimes.
In a tank, it is necessary to consider resilient plant species due to their feeding habits. They appreciate fresh and flake items. Some pellet and brine shrimp and bloodworms are also recommended.
They can be fed plant-based fish food also. Some vegetables are also important to be offered them. It is very important to keep a mixed diet, with plant and animal nutrients. They should be fed twice a day with enough food for them to totally eat in 2 or 3 minutes.
Honey Gourami Tankmates
Honey Gouramis make nice tank mates to several species. Some of the are listed below:
– Corydoras catfish;
– Neon Tetras;
– Huppies;
– Sparkling Gouramis;
– Small Barbs;
– Zebra Danios.
Avoid fin nippers and large aggressive fish, as they could stress the Honey Gouramis out and affect their health or even injury them directly.
Angelfish
Angelfish are usually classified as semi-aggressive fish. Although, some hobbyists classify them as peaceful fish. We believe Angelfish are peaceful fish that become aggressive when facing specific situations, such as breeding periods and offspring protection, territory dispute and establishment, and when threatened. They can also chase and harass smaller fish when seeing them as prey.
These fish are very nice additions to a community tank. Their body shape and colours bring awesome looks to the aquarium. Angelfish generally grow up to 6 inches in length and 10 inches in height. Their lifespan is around 12 years.
Angelfish habitat and care
Angelfish are freshwater fish species that inhabit tropical areas of the Amazon River basin, in South America. They occupy slow-flow water bodies with loads of plants and tree roots. For this reason, their water temperature requirements are between 73 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels should be between 6.5 and 7.8.
They also appreciate heavily-vegetated tanks and a fine sandy substrate. Some plant species that are recommended for Angelfish tanks are Anacharis, Amazon Sword, and some Java fern and Java moss.
Angelfish feeding habits
Similarly to the Honey Gouramis, the Angelfish are omnivores. They usually eat anything that fits in their mouths from smaller fish to larvae and insects.
In an aquarium, it is recommended to provide them with a protein and fibre-supplemented diet. Thus, live items as some small shrimp, worms and crustaceans can also be offered. They also enjoy vegetables, like spinach, peas, and zucchini. And also similar to the Honey Gourami, they require being fed twice a day.
Angelfish Tankmates
In general, Angelfish are peaceful fish. However, the tank mates choice must occur carefully. This is because they can become aggressive towards conspecifics and similarly shaped fish. Also, they may devour smaller fish they see as prey.
Some potential tankmates for Angelfish are:
– Larger Tetras;
– Larger Rasboras;
– Peaceful Gouramis
– Peaceful Barbs;
– Rainbowfish;
– Corydoras catfish.
Does the Angelfish and Honey Gourami combination work?
Yes, Angelfish and Honey Gourami can live without major issues in a community tank. Their water and tank requirements are very similar. As well as their diets. Thus, it is not difficult to set the tank and the feeding routine with appropriate conditions for both species.
Conclusion
In this post, we learnt about the relationship between Angelfish and Honey Gourami. We also discussed their biology, requirements, and if they can live together in the aquarium.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Angelfish and Honey Gourami
Can Honey Gouramis live with Angelfish?
Yes, Honey Gourami usually make nice tank mates to Angelfish. They normally get along easily. Additionally, their tank requirements are similar, which makes it easier to set the tank up with ideal conditions for both species to thrive.
What fish can live with Honey Gouramis?
Honey Gouramis can be housed with many other fish species. Some of them are:
- Cory catfish.
- Neon or ember tetras.
- Zebra danios.
- Guppies.
- Sparkling gouramis.
- Small barbs.
- Mollies.
Are Honey Gouramis aggressive?
In general, the Honey Gouramis are classified as non-aggressive fish. However, they can become aggressive while defending their territory from conspecifics or similar-shaped fish. Males can also get somehow aggressive towards females after the breeding period.
Can I keep a single Honey Gourami?
Yes, it is possible to keep only one Honey Gourami. However, they enjoy and feel safer within groups of at least 4-6 individuals. In groups, they show natural behaviour more easily, as well as their bright colours.
Do Honey Gouramis eat hydra?
Yes, Honey and Dwarf Gouramis are two Gourami species that may help you control hydra by eating them out.
Is it possible to differentiate male and female Honey Gouramis?
There is sexual dimorphism in Honey Gourami. Sexually mature males show brighter colours with a darker belly. While females are larger and tend to show paler colouration. Additionally, males usually have sharpened dorsal and anal fins, while females have more rounded ones.
References
Sheppard, M. 2020. Honey Gourami (aka Sunset): Care, Size & Tank Mates! https://www.aquariumsource.com/honey-gourami/
Robert. 2019. Honey Gourami: All You Need To Know About Sunset Honey Gouramis. https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/honey-gourami/
Keeping Honey Gourami in the aquarium – this is how it works. https://aquarium-fish-plants.com/keeping-honey-gourami-in-the-aquarium-this-is-how-it-works/
Herzog, P. 2021. Honey Gourami (Trichogaster Chuna): a Species Profile. https://fishtankadvisor.com/honey-gourami/
Jason. 2017. 15 Great Angelfish Tank Mates (Complete Compatibility Guide). https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/angelfish-tank-mates/
Angelfish Care Guide. https://www.aqueon.com/resources/care-guides/angelfish
Robert. 2019. Angelfish Care & Species Guide. https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/freshwater-angelfish/
