s 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.[2] This species is commercially important as a food
fish and is also farmed.[3] It can also be found in the aquarium trade.[4] The species has also been
used for weed control, as it can be a voracious herbivore.[5]
It lives in fresh or brackish water, particularly slow-moving areas such as swamps, lakes, and
large rivers. It is capable of breathing moist air, so can survive out of water for long periods. It is
much larger than most gouramis, growing to a maximum length of 70 cm (28 in), though most are
only around 45 cm (18 in). In colour, it is a pale to golden yellow, with silvery, pale blue stripes
running vertically along its body.[4] Females can be identified by their thicker lips. Giant gouramis
build nests using