Dwarf Gourami Behavior

[juliethegr8t]

Well I've noticed this behavior going on between my two male Dwarf Gouarmis for awhile, but thought it was finally time to ask for some thoughts. They often get into fights, usually in a certain spot in the tank. They'll start flaring their fins and sidling up next to each other like they are literally "sizing" each other up. They they just go at it, I can't always tell who initiates it, but they start nipping at each other and it looks quite violent. So far though, I haven't been able to find any injuries from these scuffles.

I did some research, and it turns out that this can be common behavior between two male Gouramis. However, is there anything I can do? Or do I need to take one back. They get along for the most part.... if they don't get too near each other. I'm a little stressed about what I should do because they're wonderful fish besides their fighting. I would maybe take one back and get a female, but of course our lfs's don't sell females . Anyone dealt with similiar problems? Thanks for any imput.

 

[Braddah]

same thing happend with me and it escalated to one loseing an eye...so i seperated them and now both are fine....

 

[juliethegr8t]

Eek see that's the thing, I don't have another tank to use to seperate them! I also forgot to add this in my original post - anyone think adding another male would help or is that a definite no-no? I haven't read anything concerning that so I have no clue.

 

[AquaNut]

Adding another male would probably just lead to more scuffles over territory. How big is your tank? Do you have hiding spots and plants?

 

[juliethegr8t]

It's not a big enough tank (10 gal) , and I realize this is part of it, but yes, I do have plenty of plants and hiding spots. I have a big ol' decorative pot that the blue guy has staked out as his own, so when he's inside it, things are fine. He doesn't bother to come out unless someone enters "his" territory, or if I'm feeding.

 

[AquaNut]

Unfortunately, gouramis are quite territorial, and having two in a 10 gallon tank is going to lead to the kind of problems you've been experiencing. If one fish is being harassed constantly by the other one, this will lead to stress which, in turn, leads to a loss of the slime coat which, in turn ... leads to susceptibility to infection/parasites/fungus etc. However, if you think that they are mostly just asserting themselves and aren't really causing any damage, you may choose to keep them and see how it goes. Good luck!

 

[Braddah]

i agree with aquanut...but dont reduce the amount you feed drastically...(or skip a day) thats what happened with mine....they were fine till i had my roommate feed them and i came home and thats when there was the problem...be on the safe side though and return one...