The earliest fossil gourami is Ombilinichthys from the early-mid Eocene Sangkarewang Formation of Sumatra, Indonesia.

[2] The family Osphronemidae is divided into the following subfamilies and genera:[3][4] Giant gouramis, Osphronemus goramy, or Kaloi in Malay, are eaten in some parts of the world.

The paradise fish, Macropodus opercularis, and other members of that genus are the target of a cannery industry in China, the products of which are available in Asian supermarkets around the world.

[5] In Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, gouramis are readily fished at streams, brooks, canal, rivers and many more large water area systems.

They are sought after due to their bright colours and relative intelligence, being able to recognise their owners and "greeting" them,[6] having a desire to explore the plants and rocks placed across their aquarium,[7] and displaying extensive paternal care with the males protecting the eggs until they hatch, and building a foam raft to keep them afloat.

Gouramis have been housed with many species, such as danios, mollies, silver dollars, Neon tetras, and plecostomus catfish.