Chronic Dwarf Gourami Problems

[lsmall]

I have a 20 gal planted community tank. pH 6.8-7.0, kH 5, gH 7, CO2 injection.

The fish (2 platys,3 gold barbs, a rainbow fish, a blue ram, an opaline gourami) are all really healthy and happy except for my dwarf gourami. I have had an aquarium for 4 years and I have always had a male dwarf gourami. However, I always have the same problem with the dwarf gouramis. They start of with lots of energy and doing fine. After a couple of months they lose their vibrant colour. After another month they start hiding, but immediately come out for feeding, and continue to eat well. Another month later they become lethargic and won't make the effort to get food. Then they die after a few weeks. This pattern has occured over and over again with at least 4 or 5 dwarf gouramis. This pattern does not occur in the other fish including other gourami species.
From what I have seen, I don't think there is an issue with bullying. In the past I have tried to treat for internal parasites, but this generally just expedited their demise.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Lorne

 

[David]

Now I am not sure about this, but I have heard that the dwarf gourami has been tragically weakened due to overbreeding in order to produce the new colour strains you see today. I think they may just be weaker than other gouramis in that respect and can't be expected to live as long. I'd have to pass it over to a dwarf gourami expert at this poitn, I don't know much about them. Although I want to get one, and your scaring me...