New Red Dwarf Gourami

[windandfire12]

2 days ago I bought a Red Dwarf Gourami from Petland Discounts. I observed the fish for a bit in the LFS while it was in the tank with other Gouramis (other Reds and 3 Spot Gouramis). He's happy and swimming around in the tank. I know they are prone to illnesses, but since he and the other Gouramis in the tank looked and acted healthy and no visible signs of illness and or sores etc....I would like to know if he might still contract an illness even though he is healthy?

He is the only fish I have and I'd like to know if he can be kept in the tank alone with no other fish?
(I've read they can be kept alone without other fish).

Please tell me I did not make a mistake in buying this fish?

I don't want to return him cause I love him.

 

[screamingdonkey]

I know they are prone to illnesses, but since he and the other Gouramis in the tank looked and acted healthy and no visible signs of illness and or sores etc....I would like to know if he might still contract an illness even though he is healthy?

The illness DGs are prone to is Dwarf Gourami Irridovirus.
Unfortunately, it is believed that they can carry this virus for some time without showing any visible signs and it is often estimated that 20% of all DGs in the aquarium trade carry this virus.
That being said, they are truly stunning fish - very peaceful by nature and only really show any signs of aggression when more than one male is kept in the same tank.

He is the only fish I have and I'd like to know if he can be kept in the tank alone with no other fish?
(I've read they can be kept alone without other fish).

They can be kept alone but most people would find a solitary fish in a tank a bit dull.
As you've no doubt observed, they spend most of their time in the mid-top part of the tank, often coming to the surface to take in air via the 'labrynth' organ.
Have you thought about getting something for the bottom third of the tank?

How big is the tank? And how long has it been established?
This will help others in giving you advice as to what can be kept with the dwarf