Marmalade Gurami: A Low-Maintenance Delight for Aquarium Enthusiasts

Our Marmalade Gurami Journey: A Low-Maintenance Delight for Aquarium Enthusiasts

summarizeEditor's Summary

My husband's been hooked on aquariums since he was a kid, and now that he's retired, he's finally got the time to devote to them. He's really good at breeding marmalade guramis, and it's been a blast raising them. These fish are stunning, long and oval-shaped with marmalade markings, and they can grow up to 1 inch. One of the best things about marmalade guramis is how easy they are to care for - they're relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium. We've had great success breeding them, and I highly recommend them to any aquarium enthusiast. They're perfect for beginners or experienced aquarists alike, and they're a great addition to any aquarium.

settingsSpecifications

KararMükemmel

Bakım9/10

Kalite9/10

Sürdürülebilirlik8/10

My husband has been hooked on aquariums since he was a kid, and now that he's retired, he's finally got the time to devote to them. At first, it was just about the beauty and entertainment, but now he's really into breeding them.

He's particularly good at breeding marmalade guramis. We've tried our hand at pearl and golden ones, but that didn't quite work out. Guess our microclimate is perfect for marmalade guramis!

When we first consulted with the pet store, they told us to get six fish because it's impossible to tell the males from the females when they're young.

We took their advice and got six. Once they grew up, we saw the pair. The main difference is the fin - the male's fin is long and pointed, while the female's fin is shorter and rounded.

Since then, we've had a blast raising marmalade guramis. They're our real showstoppers!

These fish are stunning. They're long and oval-shaped with marmalade markings. They can grow up to 10-15 cm, so we need a big aquarium to keep them in.As everyone says, they're not picky eaters. We do add extra aeration - although guramis can breathe air, they still like to surface for it - and we heat the water if it gets too cold. We have a gravel substrate and lots of plants in the aquarium, so we're not even bothering to test their water requirements.

They're pretty friendly fish. We have them living with plecos and mosses, and they rarely fight, except when there's a super energetic male in the tank.

Guramis usually live in pairs. Here they are hiding together in the plants.

We feed them dry flakes, live brine shrimp, and frozen food.When it's time to breed, we move the pair to a 40-liter tank. How do we know it's time? The female's belly starts to swell with eggs, and they change color, getting darker.

Look at our pair. The female is still light-colored, not quite ready to release her eggs, but her belly is already swollen.

Now the male is already darkening, already releasing mucus, building a nest. He's fully ready to continue the species!

Then he'll help the female release her eggs. He'll be 'embracing' her with his whole body, pushing out the eggs. It's quite an interesting sight!

When the female lays her eggs, she needs to be removed. The male starts gathering the eggs in the nest, he chases the female away, during this period he doesn't eat and neither does he give her any food. He chases her away from both the nest and the feeder. And after the eggs hatch into fry, we need to remove the male as well, so he doesn't eat the fry.

We feed the fry a mixture of egg yolk and water at first. I boil an egg, mash the yolk, and mix it with water. We use a syringe to suck up this mixture and pour it into the aquarium with the fry. They grow really fast on this food.

Here's our latest batch of fry.

It's clear that they're growing at different rates. Some faster, some slower. We're supposed to remove the larger ones, but we don't do that. Whoever survives, survives. Of course, the number of fry gradually decreases, but not significantly.

We sell guramis to both stores and private buyers (on Avito). They're vibrant, beautiful, and hardy. They bring us joy and, hopefully, the people who buy them as well.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

How do I tell the difference between male and female marmalade guramis when they're young?

When marmalade guramis are young, it can be tough to tell the difference between males and females. But as they mature, the males will develop a longer, more pointed fin, while the females will have a shorter, more rounded fin.

What kind of aquarium is best for marmalade guramis?

Marmalade guramis prefer a well-maintained aquarium with plenty of hiding places and open swimming space. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended, with a secure lid to prevent jumping.

How often should I feed my marmalade guramis?

Marmalade guramis are omnivores and should be fed a high-quality flake or pellet diet 2-3 times a week. Live or frozen foods can be given as treats 1-2 times a week.

Can marmalade guramis be kept with other fish?

Yes, marmalade guramis can be kept with other peaceful fish, but they may be sensitive to fin nipping or aggression. It's best to introduce them to a established tank with plenty of hiding places and open swimming space.

How often should I perform water changes for my marmalade guramis?

Regular water changes are essential for maintaining good water quality and keeping your marmalade guramis healthy. Aim to perform a 10-20% water change every week, or as needed.

What is the ideal water temperature for marmalade guramis?

Marmalade guramis prefer a water temperature between 72-82°F (22-28°C). Avoid sudden changes in water temperature, as this can stress the fish.

Can marmalade guramis be bred in a community tank?

No, marmalade guramis are best bred in a separate breeding tank with a secure lid and plenty of hiding places. This will help to reduce stress and prevent escape.