Dwarf Red Honey Gourami
Scientific Name: Trichogaster chuna (Red Honey Variant)
Common Names: Red Honey Gourami, Dwarf Honey Gourami
Origin: India, Bangladesh
Size: 4–5 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Lifespan: 4–6 years
 
Species Overview
The Dwarf Red Honey Gourami is a selectively bred colour form of the Honey Gourami featuring deep red to orange body tones with a soft metallic sheen. They are gentle, slow-moving labyrinth fish ideal for peaceful community tanks. Males develop brighter reds and a more pointed dorsal fin, while females stay more rounded and pale.
This species thrives in well-planted aquariums with calm water and gentle tankmates.
 
Care Sheet
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank: 40 L for a pair
Preferred Setup: Heavily planted, floating plants, low to moderate flow
Substrate: Dark substrate enhances colour
Filtration: Gentle sponge or baffled filter
Lighting: Low–moderate
 
Water Parameters
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 2–12 dGH
Nitrates: <20 ppm
Appreciates tannins but not required
 
Diet
Omnivorous; takes small, soft foods.
Micro-pellets
Quality flakes
Frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms
Live foods for conditioning
 
Behaviour & Tankmates
Very peaceful, shy around boisterous fish
Ideal tankmates:
Small rasboras
Pygmy cories
Peaceful tetras
Otocinclus
Avoid: fin nippers, fast barbs, large gouramis, aggressive species
 
Breeding
Bubble-nesting species
Male builds a bubble nest under floating plants
Male displays and guides female to lay eggs
Male tends to the nest and guards eggs
Fry hatch in ~24–36 hours
Feed fry infusoria, then baby brine shrimp once large enough