Blue Gourami Problem

[mobydick]

got two Blue Gouramis yesterday and one of them seems to chase the other one all over the place. The one being chased doesn't seem to mingle with the rest of the fish much and seems to stay out of the way - is this normal?

Here's what I've got (I'm very new to this)...

* 2x blue gouramis
* 4x neon tetras
* 5x glow-light tetras
* 2x red-wag swordtails
* 1x catfish (unknown)
* 5x stripped one's I can't identify (top-swimmers)

B)

 

[wuvmybetta]

hmmmm

Gouramis can be very territorial. You probably have 2 males. Add lots of plants for cover and see if that helps. If not you may have to seperate them, or bring back the aggro or scared one. If you bring back the aggro gourami,you'll be surprised at how quickly the other gets over his 'shyness'

 

[mobydick]

I'm ok for plant cover, wood etc... it's a tank I got off a mate complete with the two swordtails and catfish. I read somewhere that gouramis like to be in groups of four or more - could this be it? If so I'd rather take them back to the pet shop as four or more of them might be a bit OTT

 

[wuvmybetta]

I'd take at least one back. They'll be fine on their own. The group of 4 or more theory is to spread out the aggression. If you don't like to look into your tank and see a fish being bullied,your best bet will be to keep only one. BUT...the one who is solo may try to aggravate the other fish. Gouramis are just like that,they enjoy pestering.

 

[littleme1969]

I have the same problem with a pair of rednosed honey gouramis. The larger paler fish (possibly female) won't leave the other smaller brighter coloured one alone. But as I have a 3 Tank joined by tubes set up.. it ok.. they seem to have a tank each at either end and when the quiet one goes for a wonder the other one chases it right back to its own tank. Shes just a big bully He seems ok though but If I feel hes getting stressed the other one will have to go.
But they are such fab personalities always first to the front of the tank when its food time.. just glare at you with the googlie eyes they have.. I love em
If your geting a bit of tail nibbling going on or one fish is stopping the other from eating.. then I would take one back too.

 

[Inchworm]

got two Blue Gouramis yesterday and one of them seems to chase the other one all over the place. The one being chased doesn't seem to mingle with the rest of the fish much and seems to stay out of the way - is this normal?

Hi mobydick

Yes, this is very normal gourami behavior. Unless one of them is actually being injured, it is nothing to worry about. Just make sure that there are plants or decorations to provide a place for the less dominant one to escape to. It is not usual for a male to chase a female and for her to spend most of her time hiding in the bushes.

Before I can make any suggestions, it would be helpful if you would tell me what kind of blue gouramis you have, and how big your tank is. Do you know if you have a male and a female?

However, I can say do not, under any circumstances, buy any more gouramis until we get this situation sorted out.


BTW, here are a few links you might find helpful:

This is an opaline gourami:

http/www.fishbase.org/country/CountrySpe...es=trichopterus

This is a 3 spot gourami:

http/www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Di...d=21&pCatId=973

This is a powder blue dwarf gourami:

http/www.thebudmaster.btinternet.co.uk/fish/gourami.htm

 

[the skunk]

if your're talking about three spot gouramis, they can be aggressive to others of the same speacies, what is your tank size??? this may help ansewer your question.

 

[mobydick]

thanks for the replies, you seem like a friendly bunch

I've identified them as opaline gouramis. Not sure of the tank size but it's approx... 4' x 1.5' x 1.5'

There appears to be no harm to either fish but the one that's bullying is trying to stop the other one eating.

Not sure if they're male or females - how do I check?

Sorry for the dumb questions in advance, I'm literally new to this since last week.

B)