Dwarf Gourami

[ScoutCarcer]

Im thinking about getting a dwarf gourami or 2 and I have some questions.

Are they agressive?
How big do they get?
How big of a tank does one need?
How big of a tank do two need?
Do they do better in group?

 

[OohFeeshy]

From what I know...
1. Males are aggressive to other males, but generally no.
2. About 2.5 ish inches, maybe 3.
3. On its own or with other fish?
4. As above but substitute its for their.
5. Don't think so.

 

[ScoutCarcer]

On its own

 

[sylvia]

Are they agressive? No, they are territorial (like was said) and this is mostly towards males of their own species (that includes all colisa lalia color morphs!). However, don't assume because they are only truly 'aggressive' towards other males that it's fine to keep them crowded in a small tank with females. Males also chase the females - and that can lead to serious stress for her and could even kill her as a result.

How big do they get? 2"

How big of a tank does one need? Theoreticaly, a 5 gallon would be enough for a single dwarf (without any fishy tank-mates). However, they are sensitive to water quality so at least a 10 gallon for single male OR for a couple of females. Don't keep 2 males in a 10. Also, don't keep a male/female pair in a 10 unless it's very heavily planted. They're fine with tank-mates as long as you don't over-stock.

How big of a tank do two need? If they are males, go for 10 gallons per fish. For females, a 10 gallon is enough for a couple. To mix them, a single male with 2 females is fine in a 20 gallon.

Do they do better in group? It doesn't matter with males but the females appreciate company.

 

[ScoutCarcer]

Whats the difference bettween a male and a female?

 

[sylvia]

The males are the ones with color. The females are silvery, sometimes yellowish and sometimes with faint stripes. Most shops don't even stock females because they don't sell as well as males. Also, mature males have 'bulbous' dorsal and anal fins - much longer than a female's as well. When viewed from above, females also appear wider. They are also deeper-bodied with the males appearing more 'stream-lined'.

 

[ScoutCarcer]

How do they breed?
Do they get along wiht guppies?

 

[sylvia]

They build a bubble nest but you can't breed them in a community. You have to set up a seperate fry tank especialy for breeding, have them spawn in there, remove the female, later the male, and then feed the fry very small foods like infusoria and microworms. If you are interested in breeding them, it's probably an idea to search this forum to read through soem threads about it. They can be rbed in the same way as three-spots, pearls, banded and thick-lipped and honey gouramies so read anything about those species as well.

Yes, they get along with guppies but remember not to over-crowd.

 

[ScoutCarcer]

How many Male Dwarf Gouramis can you fit in a ten gallon wiht no fights?

 

[sylvia]

just 1

 

[ScoutCarcer]

Could I add a female?

 

[Ethos]

Yes. I'd keep a male and a female, If I were, but you must keep an eye on them for the first couple of days. Just because you can never know what to expect w/ fish

Edit: Did you mean add a female with a male in a 10G?

 

[ScoutCarcer]

Edit: Did you mean add a female with a male in a 10G?

Yes my Male is in a ten gallon with a snail.

 

[Ethos]

Well, if the 10 is empty, except for the sanil, I guess you could put a female in there. But you have to watch them, and make sure that there isn't sever agrivation between them...

 

[sylvia]

If you keep a pair in a 10 gallon, the male will chase and harass the female until she becomes very stressed and succumbs to disease. Don't get a female. Don't get another dwarf gourami for this tank at all. If your tank were heavily planted, it may be a possibility, but, as things stand, and with the male having been added first as well, it's a risk I would not take. Particularly considering the fact that these fish are not the hardiest gouramies, trying to add a single female to a tank with just the male in will result in problems sooner or later.

BTW, in my very first post I think I explained what sort of tank a group would need. Maybe I don't remmber correctly but it's probably worth a look.