Chocolate Gouramis

[broessle]

I just purchased two chocolate gouramis after hearing nothing but how hard they are to keep alive. So far they seem to be doing great and I am debating wether or not to get 2 more. I noticed one of the gouramis, similar to what dogs would do, will float as if in some submisive gesture while the other gourami circles it. Does anyone know what this means? Its not some wierd breeding thing is it? that would be cool! or is it just one male being submisive to another? any ideas?

 

[Ludwig Venter]

Hallo and welcome Broessle......You are indeed fortunate to have Chocs esp. if they are doing great. These have been the object of my desire for as long as I've been keeping fish... (1970)....

The floating manor you've witnessed is indeed characteristic of the species and Chocs are known to form hierarchy's as you've also rightly deducted..... The floating is generally believed to be a submissive gesture and you'll also notice that whilst the fish is "floating", the others will mouth the fish, but no damage is done. It also has nothing to do with breeding activities.

Unlike the anabantoid families, Chocs are not bubblenest builders (as one would expect), but mouthbrooders. People who keep them successfully reports that they are not difficult to keep, but in my opinion... (having kept fish for 40years), I will get at least 10 and then be happy if 2 survives.

Get more of 'em and good luck..... Keep us up to date.

 

[broessle]

Hallo and welcome Broessle......You are indeed fortunate to have Chocs esp. if they are doing great. These have been the object of my desire for as long as I've been keeping fish... (1970)....

The floating manor you've witnessed is indeed characteristic of the species and Chocs are known to form hierarchy's as you've also rightly deducted..... The floating is generally believed to be a submissive gesture and you'll also notice that whilst the fish is "floating", the others will mouth the fish, but no damage is done. It also has nothing to do with breeding activities.

Unlike the anabantoid families, Chocs are not bubblenest builders (as one would expect), but mouthbrooders. People who keep them successfully reports that they are not difficult to keep, but in my opinion... (having kept fish for 40years), I will get at least 10 and then be happy if 2 survives.

Get more of 'em and good luck..... Keep us up to date.

Oh cool! Makes sense. I think its just the transporting thats really hard on them. They are some really cool fish! I just started keeping fish a few months ago and I am pretty proud of myself that the Choclates seem to be doing pretty good! I would like to add one more but I don't know that the store where I found them will still have them.