Gourami Whiskrs

[stucolls]

Hi all, can anyone tell me about the funny whisker type things on myb2 dwarf gouramis, they keep looking like they are uising them s hands to touch each other? can anyone tell me what they are, what they are used for, andis this behaviour normal?

 

[SouthernCross]

Yep, those are the ventral fins of a gourami. Apparently there is taste cells on the end of them too. All gouramis have them (I think). In fact, I know bettas (who are a labyrinth fish too and related to gouramis) have them too, they're long too but also floaty and can't manipulate them in the same way gouramis can. My pearls are always "feeling each other up" with them. It's great to watch them interact actually.

It's perfectly normal behaviour so don't be worried!

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

My dwarf gourami feels ME up with them...

 

[jasonskillz]

the tips of mine keep on breaking off or get bitten off that female parrot, has eggs ever few weeks

 

[Squidman]

Gouramis use whiskers as ppl use hands.

 

[roseK]

lol feel each other up... thats silly.

 

[backley420]

My dwarf gourami feels ME up with them...

nice

 

[Audfish]

My new Gold Gourami does the motions to YMCA with them J/K but he does wave them about like he's trying to get my attention. Hey, look at me over here!

 

[starsatnight]

i love this thread! gouramis are just the coolest fish ever! i love mine to bits......

 

[poopsydrew]

I believe they are called pelvic fins and they are used for touch and swimming.

Drew

 

[-germ-]

And they also have a chemo-receptory function

 

[poopsydrew]

And they also have a chemo-receptory function

Yet another reason why gouramis are awesome

Drew

 

[alphabetic]

Are individual Gourami whiskers supposed to be identical lengths by any chance?

 

[Scotch_Egg]

yeh i think so. My 2 gouramis do kung-fu fighting !!!!