Identify This Gourami?

[bain225]

So, I purchased these two Gouramis at my local aquarium a few days ago. I'd never seen them before and was told they were Valencia Gouramis. On google'ing this nothing is coming up? I've seen some pictures of chocolate gouramis and think they look similar - are they? And if so, are they are hard to care for as it seems people suggest!? They are doing well so far, but no I'm worried!

Thanks in anticipation!

 

[james_fish]

They look like Choco's but they are very dark huh?

If they are them, then yes. They are hard to keep and can be very very sensitive. Probably why they are not very common in the hobby.

I know Ludwig, Carl and a few others on the forum keep these. They will be able to help you more.

James.

 

[Carlovel1]

So, I purchased these two Gouramis at my local aquarium a few days ago. I'd never seen them before and was told they were Valencia Gouramis. On google'ing this nothing is coming up? I've seen some pictures of chocolate gouramis and think they look similar - are they? And if so, are they are hard to care for as it seems people suggest!? They are doing well so far, but no I'm worried!

Thanks in anticipation!

Those are Vaillanti Gourami or Sphaerichthys vaillanti, the Chocolate Gourami's cousin. IMO these are just as hard to care for as Chocolate Gouramis. Most won't accept flake and need to be fed on live foods. And they should ideally be in large groups of around 5 or more. I'd also advise you add some aquarium peat to soften the water in your tank, if you want them to thrive. Also, I'd advise having some Anti-whitespot and some Anti- internal Bacteria just in case as these Gouramis seem to catch it very easily. And going by your photos, you have 2 very pretty females!

Carl

 

[bain225]

brilliant thank you! the shop said they were easy to care for and would suit my existing tank - shame. Unfortunately they only had 2 and I haven seen any more else where at all. The water is quite hard here and never had any luck with rams which need the soft water too so am a bit concerned. Where would i get the peat you mentioned? never noticed it in shops before?

 

[Carlovel1]

brilliant thank you! the shop said they were easy to care for and would suit my existing tank - shame. Unfortunately they only had 2 and I haven seen any more else where at all. The water is quite hard here and never had any luck with rams which need the soft water too so am a bit concerned. Where would i get the peat you mentioned? never noticed it in shops before?

Well these are definitely not beginner fish so I'm surprised the LFS told you they are easy to care for fish.

Peat is not usually available in tropical fish shops so I tend to get peat from online stores. http/www.google.co.uk/m/products?oe=UTF-8&client=safari&q=aquarium+peat&hl=en-gb&source=gp2&channel=products&ei=sQMlTdCyHqbBjQeFt7WGAQ&ved=0CBIQzQM
If you think these gouramis may be too high maintenance then feel free to get easy to care gouramis such as Honey Gouramis which aren't as demanding.

Carl

 

[hedgehog738]

samuri gourami - closely related to chocolate gouramis. - i think