Dwarf Neon Gourami

[Ram419]

Recently obtained 6 dwarf neon gourami. They've been doing great since I got them a couple weeks ago.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

I've always liked that species, even though they're mean, virus-prone little jerks.

 

[Ram419]

I had one a few years ago in a community tank which was a mistake as they should be in a group. I got six this time and they are the only species in the tank. Hoping they do good.

 

[MaloK]

One of the coolest fish, no contest for me.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

I've always liked that species, even though they're mean, virus-prone little jerks.

OK, I was just in a bad mood when I wrote this. But in my experience they really are kind of mean, and they do get sick a lot. But wow, are they pretty.

 

[GaryE]

It looks like all males.

 

[Essjay]

I had one a few years ago in a community tank which was a mistake as they should be in a group

Can I ask where you heard/read that they should be kept in groups?

Seriously Fish, one of the best sites out there, says

It’s generally not a good idea to keep a group of dwarf gouramis together and the species is usually sold in sexed pairs.

 

[Ram419]

Can I ask where you heard/read that they should be kept in groups?

Seriously Fish, one of the best sites out there, says

Hmm, it was a quick search I don't remeber exactly where it was said. But looking a bit more looks like you are right. I can separate them to another tank if I need to though. I haven't seen them be aggressive to each other yet.

 

[Essjay]

Keep an eye on them. If you've only recently got them, they may start fighting once they've settled in properly. Dwarf gouramis are territorial fish fish and a male won't tolerate another male in his territory. Since all your look like males........

 

[Ram419]

Yes, I think they are all males. I can move them around. Was also considering returning some to the store just not sure if they take back live fish.

 

[MaloK]

I my experience they will spar a lot, without adequate hiding places they might end sparring constantly. And at this point it's not good.

If it's the case, a thick layer of floating plants always worked for me. They will always prefer good hiding spots near the surface and love to crash on plants with their labyrinth 1mm under the water level. They are lazy as much as bettas on that side.

So, a thick surface layer of plants that is about the same as the height the fish will create exactly the environment that permits them to hide and be comfortable at the same time...

Many people get them without acknowledging their primary environmental needs and most of the time when they realize what the fish wants is not the tank they want to look at causes frustration.

Another factor that I find funny is, well maintained, they will become much larger than advertised.

 

[Ram419]

Thanks for the advice guys. I was able to return them. I kept one and got some platys as a tank mates and some more plants.

 

[CassCats]

I think that'll be a more peaceful setup

It's probably *honey* gouramis you read about the group thing... regular dwarfs are not as tolerant. If kept in a group at all, it's best 1 male to a bunch of females, BUT they rarely ever sell females unfortunately. If it's colorful, it's more likely male. Female dwarfs are usually plain silver. Sometimes can find powder blue females, but not often even then.

 

[Mr Limpet]

Back in the mid-70s(!), when only the wild-type was available, they were only sold as pairs. Females were rather attractive, with their brown-gold bodies and thin blue stripes.