Gouramis

[SarahMarie]

I'm waiting for my new tank to arrive and thinking about my stocking. It's 240 litres. I know I'm definitely having corys and xray tetra, I was thinking of having a couple of gouramis as a 'centre piece' fish. Would this be a good idea? If so, what type of gourami does everyone think would be best? thanks for any replies in advance

 

[Metka]

Gourami are fantastic fish, great choice!!
 
As for picking some, it's hard to choose. Opaline/Blue Gourami for some very active fish with great blue colours - same again with Gold Gourami but obviously gold colouring. Pearl/Lace Gourami tend to be abit more shy but can have some fantastic looking fins, Kissing Gourami are brilliant pink colours, with their "kissing" keeping people amused for hours. Then you have the smaller variety, Dwarf Gourami, Sparkling Gourami, Croaking Gourami...etc
 
As you have a 240L tank, I would suggest a couple of the larger Three-Spot variety (Gold/Opaline/Blue, they are all three-spot varieties). Remember, you should always try and keep 1 male to a group of females.
 
Another thing to remember, is that gourami need access to the water level top in order to breath from the surface. They also need some floating or very tall plants in which to hide - they can become very shy at times, especially if a dominant male is giving chase - you need to offer somewhere for your poor females to hide!
 
Either way, good luck with the gourami! Any thing I can do to help, just let me know
 
- Metka
(The Gourami Lover).

 

[SarahMarie]

Thanks.
I've always liked the kissing gouramis. My LFS has some that I've had my eye on for a while! Just waiting for the new tank. I've heard gouramis can be quite aggressive though, would they be ok with the tetras and corys?
I've got a few tall plants in my current tank that I can move to the new one when I get it. I've got some bogwood and rocks too. Would the rocks be ok for the gouramis or should I leave them out?
Thanks for the advice!

 

[Metka]

Some gourami can be aggressive, but generally they won't do anything other than chase fish away.
EDIT: Just so you're aware, the "kissing" motion of kissing gourami isn't a sign of affection, it is actually a fighting stance. Just like how Betta's will flare up at the sight of each other, kissing gourami will lock jaws.
 
The rocks and bogwood will be absolutely fine

Just remember that some larger fish may dislodge the rocks, so don't stack them in a way that they can easily fall over.

 

[SarahMarie]

So would it be better to have 1 male and 1 female kissing gourami or more females?
And thanks they aren't huge rocks, just average really. I'll make sure they won't fall

 

[SarahMarie]

Bump

 

[PlumbersMerchant]

I guess from reading this if you only have room for 2 pearl gouramis either don't get any or get one male and one female and hope they are a matin pair. Idealy with any gourami you want 1 male to 2 females. Hope This helps and Good luck and please post some pictures of the tank

 

[DreamertK]

Kissing gourami will also kiss to see their compatibility with each other. There's a good chance that just two random fish wont be compatible, if you can try to find a breeding pair.
 
Pearls are peaceful, though you should still probably limit it to one male in the tank.