Giant Red Tail Gourami

Giant Red Tailed Gourami Osphronemus laticlavius is a beautiful but very large fish. It can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm). It is a relatively new addition to the aquarium hobby having only been described in 1992, with some of the first aquarium species showing up around 2004. It is much sought after but is still rather rare in the aquarium trade. But if you can obtain one it makes a spectacular showpiece for the very large community aquarium.

This fish is one of four giant gourami species currently recognized in its genus. It is a slightly smaller and more colorful version of its close cousin the Giant Gourami or Common Gourami Osphronemus gouramy. The O. gouramy was scientifically named long ago in 1801, so it is a much better known aquarium specimen. It is also the largest gourami, reaching up to 2 1/3 feet (70 cm).

This species is the most colorful of this small group of giant gouramis. Its a natural color that can be quite beautiful. It has wonderful blue-green highlights to its body and fins that are trimmed in red. As a juvenile the color is less dramatic and the bright decorative fins developing with age. But it is a fast growing species with a voracious appetite, so its color quickly evolves. Many fish species that are red, or partially red, are considered to be good luck by many Chinese so the demand for this red finned giant is very high! This species is also commonly known as the Giant Red Finned Gourami, Red Flag Giant Gourami, Giant Red Fin Goramy, and Red Tail Gourami.