Giant Red Gourami (Osphronemus septemfasciatus)

Popularly known as the red kaloi by locals and more recently by fly fishers around the world.

As far as I know the red kaloi is endemic to Borneo island.

There are many kaloi (gourami) species in the South East Asia region but the red kaloi is unique and very rare.

*The red kaloi is also a very strong fish*

Crazy Looking Fish

The thing that strikes most people at first is the way the red kaloi looks.

The first thing that comes out of every single person’s mouth when I show them a picture of the red kaloi is “that is one ugly looking fish”.

They’ve even been likened to many characters such as Thanos from the Marvels superhero movies to Hellboy, another comic character.

But soon it often turns into fascination, curiosity and realisation that the fish is ugly in a beautiful way. Probably due to it’s uniqueness.

Size

Most gourami species don’t grow very big. Except for the red kaloi and the more common giant gourami.

Fendi holding his giant gourami on the fly caught in Thailand — *Fendi’s giant gourami caught fly fishing in Thailand*

While the giant gourami is a little more oval shaped the red kaloi has a more elongated rectangular body shape.

The most substantial documented example of red kaloi, potentially the largest giant gourami on record, was captured in Sarawak. It measured 87.2 cm (34.3 in) in total length and weighed 20.5 kg (45 lb). Source: “Notes on the giant gourami Osphronemus septemfasciatus Roberts, 1992 (Perciformes: Osphronemidae) from Batang Kanowit in Sarawak, Malaysia”. The Sarawak Museum Journal LXX.

New World Record Giant Gourami

IGFA All-Tackle World Record giant Borneo gourami — *Ng Yam Pin’s world record fish caught in Indonesia* *(Image: IGFA)*

On October 22, 2023, was fishing in Putussibau, Indonesia, Pin landed this 10.21-kilogram (22-pound, 8-ounce) giant Borneo gourami to set the new IGFA All-Tackle World Record for the species. Pin was working a crankbait when this colorful gourami struck, and after a quick fight, he was able to land, document, weigh-and-release the fish safely. Source: IGFA

*The author, JW, with a giant red kaloi on the fly. Cannot describe the ecstacy of fly fishing for this species in the wild.*

Characteristics

Gourami are known to be an obligate air-breather. Meaning it is possible to spot them on the surface.

They will also readily take food floating on the water surface.

Osphronemus septemfasciatus found in the Kalimantan rivers are reddish. Greenish or greyish ones are also found in Kalimantan and these are more commonly caught in Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. Having said that, they are not a common species to find.

Females and juveniles have a more pointy head. Males develop a more squarish face and a bump in the forehead the bigger they get.

*Jake with a female red kaloi caught during the same trip in Kalimantan. Note the more pointed snout. Image credit: Fernando*

Watch The Series Of Red Kaloi Fishing Videos Below That Involved Some Crazy Fun Adventures

And don’t forget to let me know what you think of this fish and be sure to share your own experience in the comment section below.

Everyone would love to hear more about this crazy fish.