Giant gourami Giant gourami The giant gourami ("Osphronemus goramy") is a species of large gourami native to Southeast Asia, with its occurrence in other locations due to introductions. They are native to Chao Phraya and Mekong basin in mainland Southeast Asia, and also rivers of Borneo, Java and Sumatra. This species is commercially important as a food fish and is also farmed. It can also be found in the aquarium trade. The species has also been used for weed control, as it can be a voracious herbivore. It lives in fresh or brackish water, particularly slow-moving areas such as swamps, lakes, and
Croaking gourami close to the water surface. At night, they might be found "sleeping" at the bottom, even resting on the substrate (which is not normally a cause for concern), or hovering motionless at the water surface. Like all gouramis, the croaking gourami can breathe atmospheric oxygen from above the water surface using a specialized labyrinth organ (like the Betta) if necessary. It is important, therefore, that the surface of the water be exposed to fresh air, usually accomplished by keeping them in an open-top tank or using a hood that allows air ventilation. If you are using good air pumps, this