Not yet reported in aquaria. It probably breeds like O. goramy, where the male builds a large nest of plant material (grasses, roots) and guards eggs and fry.
Needs a very large tank or pond and a mature pair.
3,000 L or large pond with plant material for nest building.
Seasonal warm conditions and plenty of food.
1,000-2,000 eggs.
Fry feed on infusoria then crushed pellets.
One breeding tank for the red-tail giant gourami, drawn to scale from the breeding guide.
Water: 22–30 °C · pH 6.5–8
A plan from the breeding guide and an adult size of 50 cm. Tank shape is a standard 2 : 1 : 1.2 box, at least 6 adult lengths long. Check each step in the guide above.
A row of tanks on their own stands for breeding the red-tail giant gourami in numbers.
In total: 3 tanks, about 15,000 L of water. A litre of water weighs about 1 kg, so check that the floor and rack can take the weight.
Sizes are worked out from the breeding tank in the guide. Tanks fit a standard 120 cm rack when they can; bigger tanks go on their own stands.
Not well documented; males are thought to be the more colourful sex.
Typical for bubble-nest builders
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
The male wraps the female and places eggs in the nest. Remove the female after spawning.
Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours. The male catches falling fry and returns them to the nest.
Remove the male. Feed infusoria and keep the air above the water warm and humid.
Move on to baby brine shrimp and microworms. Change small amounts of water daily.
Males start fighting at about 8 weeks and need their own jars.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.