Dwarf Gourami Completely Disappeared

[MrNiceGuy]

The gourami is the biggest fish in my 20 gallon long along with tetras, corys, 2 frogs, and a weather loach. The gourami was consistently the king of the tank, pacing back and forth in the top levels, always in clear view. Well yesterday I added some plants to the tank. The gourami didn't seem to mind this, he acted normally the rest of the day, even into the night. This morning he was nowhere in sight. I came home after work today and he is still nowhere to be found. I've narrowed it down to three possibilities. Hes either in the large driftwood i have (dead or alive) or he jumped out of the tank. Anyway, the driftwood would be disastrous for me to move so i was wondering if my corys/dojo loach/frogs would take care of his body if he is dead. they always seem to eat my shrimp after they die so i think its a possibility. any thoughts?

 

[joel.uejio]

I have a DG in a 20 gal long with a fair number of plants and decor. What I've noticed is that sometimes he's running in "sentinel mode", like you describe, where he charges around the tank asserting his presence.

At other times, though, he seems content to sit perfectly still underneath some plants and just relax. There have been many times where I've had to spend a few minutes looking around to find him (which is crazy for that big a fish in that small of a space).

I would suggest a thorough check of the driftwood and plants, although if he is alive and well I expect you would see him at the next feeding.

Hope things work out for the best!

 

[MrNiceGuy]

thanks, do you i cant see every where in my driftwood without taking it completely out (which would be traumatic for the others). Do you think my weatherloaches/corys/frogs will eat the body if its in there? or will it rot?

 

[joel.uejio]

I think they probably will, although they may not finish for a while, in which case there would be a decaying fish corpse mucking up your water (ugh).

In terms of taking out the driftwood -- I don't see why that would be *too* traumatic. Your other fish would get flustered for a bit, but I think you could remove it, check, and then put t back....

Not sure exactly...let me know what you decide and how it goes.