Dwarf Blue Gouramis

[Oli]

Is it better to get a male and female dwarf blue Gourami or just a single male in a 60 litre tank with Cherry Barb tank mates?

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

Is it better to get a male and female dwarf blue Gourami or just a single male in a 60 litre tank with Cherry Barb tank mates?

These are social fish, so one on it's own might give you something nice to look at, briefly, it won't be happy. They're also not the bravest of fish, so a single fish may spend a lot of time hiding This is just one of many reasons why customers are apparently allowed to dictate shops only selling males and single ones at that.
Your tank could accommodate a pair and this is often recommended as the best ways to keep the species when you have the smaller tank.
Have it well planted, because in spite of them needing gourami company, they're territorial little beggars. Cherry Barbs should be okay, but you're limited with your small tank.
If you go this route, you'll have to keep a close eye on the lady and ensure she has lots of hiding places.

 

[Colin_T]

Chances are your shop will only stock males so just get one if you have to. But be warned, they can carry fish TB and or the gourami Iridovirus. Neither of which can be treated.

 

[DoubleDutch]

Think about C.chuna (Honey Gourami) or C.labiosa (often sold as Red Honeys)

 

[Avel1896]

Is it better to get a male and female dwarf blue Gourami or just a single male in a 60 litre tank with Cherry Barb tank mates?

Hi
Be careful : male Trichogaster "dwarf gourami" lalius can turn very aggressive, much more than honey gourami. If you add him only a female, male could harass her up to death.
If he is alone he could take his mates out.
Females also can turn dominant and makes other female's life a misery.
Of course not all behave this way. That said it is impossible to know what will happen when buying a fish.....

 

[Oli]

My local shop sells males and females as a pair, tempted to try that as opposed to one male? I’d really like something blue and if I can give them a better space than they are in, why not?

 

[Avel1896]

I explained what can happen so it's up to you
Your "job" is to provide the best to your fishes : this includes water parameters (Gouramis are soft acidic water fishes), multiple hidding places, densely planted tank with floatings, and, a trio : 1 male + 2 females : this will give the dominated female a break.
Like other Anabantoids, Lalius dislikes fast flow.