Gourami Being Bullied By Platys

[TheBeginnerAquarist]

Hi everyone! In my 23 gal I have a dwarf male gourami 7 platys (3 male + 4 female),1 female swordtail, and 5 zebra danios. The swordtail was bullying the gourami to the point where the gourami had gone into hiding behind the filter. He barely ever came out for food, but he would eat. Now he is just resting on the gravel directly below the filter. He is moving his gills and fins, but I am really concerned that he might not make it. What should I do? Please help! Thanks!

 

[attibones]

Well, your swordtail is too big for that tank and the danios need more space. Aside from that, male swords can be very nippy, and, because this gourami is in his territory, the swordtail is going to fight him off. Really the issue here is poor stocking. If you move the swordtail to a larger tank, then you may find that the gourami will just come back on his own. In the meantime, check water stats, check the fish for injury, and do several water changes this week.
Just read that this is a female sword, sorry. They can be nippy too, though, so not really much different to say.

 

[TheBeginnerAquarist]

Thank you attibones. The gourami is recovering, and the sword has been being less aggressive. His recovery is going slow, and he'll show short bursts of activity then goes and lies down on a piece of decor. On the advice of a friend I added some aq salt to the water, and it seems to be helping. Thank you for your help!

 

[TheBeginnerAquarist]

Bad news.... The gourami died ;,( But thank you for the advice though

 

[DreamertK]

Sometimes fish will pick on sick fish. Its possible the gourami had dwarf gourami disease.