Best Gourami For Community Tanks

[Kate2012]

I have a 29 gallon with 10 neon tetras, 8 black neon tetras, 2 powder blue dwarf gourami, and a pleco. I've had all these guys for about 6 months with zero casualties. I'm pretty positive, however, that my dwarf gourami (male and female pair) have dwarf gourami disease. They've been showing symptoms for about a month, but are still relatively okay. From what I've read about the illness, I'm really not looking forward to watching them deteriorate further as I really do care for them (and it seems that there's nothing I can do)? Thinking ahead, since I know this disease is fairly common, I'm hesitant to add more dwarfs to the tank after these guys. Other than bettas I'm new to this hobby, so I'm unsure of what other kinds of gourami might be okay to add. I read a little about opalines (I'd just get one), but it's been hard to find a clear answer on whether they're okay with fish as small as neons. Of course I'll take care of my dwarfs for as long as they can make it before purchasing any kind of new fish. Thanks for any help!

 

[Munroco]

I'd say pearl gouramis are generally more peaceful than opalines (3 spot), plus IMO far more beautiful. Another option is to go for some of the really small gouramis.

 

[BeckyCats]

I can't speak to whether the disease might affect any future gouramis but if it is safe to add others, then I can say that my pearl gouramis have been very peaceful. They are with flame tetras, cories, and gobies. Others here have more experience than I, but the pearl gouramis were highly recommended as being peaceful and perfectly appropriate for a community tank. Mine have been very charming.

 

[Kate2012]

From what I read it's only contagious to the dwarf gourami variety, so pearl's would be okay and sound like a great suggestion. Of course if anyone can confirm that I'd appreciate it! Is it best to keep them in a male and female pair as well?

 

[DoubleDutch]

Agree with @munroco.
Besides of that a 29G is to small for Opalines.

 

[Ninjouzata]

Honey gouramis would be a lovely smaller kind to add. They come in a few different colors too

 

[BeckyCats]

You may have to get them before you can tell whether they are male or female. I did. They all looked like females when I bought them, but two have developed into very handsome fellows. I read that a male/female pair is a good way to go, but do not have personal experience with it. Hopefully someone with specific pearl experience will chime in.

More importantly, hopefully your dwarf gouramis are going to be okay. I have my fingers crossed for you.