- Where to see one
- 4 U.S. zoos in our directory hold giant gourami, confirmed against each zoo's own animal list.
Conservation status
Not Evaluated
This species has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List, so it sits outside the threat scale entirely.
About the giant gourami
The giant gourami is a large freshwater fish native to rivers, streams, marshes, swamps and lakes in Southeast Asia, from the lower Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam to the Malay Peninsula, Java and Sumatra. It grows to a maximum standard length of 80 cm (31 in), though most reach only about 45 cm (18 in). In the wild it is omnivorous, eating fish, frogs, earthworms, aquatic weeds and sometimes dead animals. It breathes moist air and can survive out of water for long periods. It lays eggs in a nest built from plant fibers, with both parents taking part, though the male appears to do more. Mature fish develop a hump above the eyes.
Giant Gourami facts
- Even in poor conditions, a gourami can grow from 7.5 cm to 50 cm in four years.
- It has been used to control invasive aquatic plants such as Salvinia molesta.
- The male darkens to nearly black during spawning.
- Its introduced range now includes Australia, Mauritius, Réunion and Madagascar.
Where to see giant gourami in the U.S.
4 zoos across 4 states
Find the closest one
Rank the 4 zoos holding giant gourami by how far they are from you. Your location is used in your browser to sort this list and is never sent to us.
California· 1
Missouri· 1
Oklahoma· 1
South Dakota· 1
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Built from each zoo's own published animal list.
