Odd Behaviour From Female Pearl Gourmai

[rebrn]

OK so I have had my 2 Pearl gourmais in the tank for a little of 24 hours now. But this odd behaviour from the female has been present from the second I released them into the tank. When ever the male is around she goes to the surface and does on of 3 things (sometime all 3):

1. Curl herself into a "C" shape
2. Turn onto her side and swims on her side
3. Goes Vertical (nose facing the surface) and swims, or rather hovers, in a complete vertical position

I have tried to see if she has eggs, but to be honest I don't know what an "eggy" fish looks like. New to fish and to gourmais. Plus I would find it odd for them to start mating immediately upon entering the tank. I mean literally this behaviour was present as soon as I released them. Anyway, she swims and acts completely normal when the male is not around. Should I be worried or is this normal female gourmai behaviour?

Also is it OK to keep just two Pearl Gorumais, one male and one female, or should I get another one? If I should get another one should it be male or female? I do have room for one more I think, but I would rather keep it at 2 if it is OK for the fish, but don't want to stress them out by not having the proper number.

Thanks

 

[Ludwig Venter]

Yes!... all 3 movements you describe, I can visualise as I've seen it before (even Angels do a curved swim past its mate when courting) and is characteristic (not uncommon) of many other fish species behaviour... I don't know if you've ever seen a male Peacock spreading its tail feathers in splendour when there is a female around.... This is her way of trying to impress the male, doing an upward "bow" shaped swim past the male.... Not to worry...it is only courting. (I've had Gouramies breed for me one day after being released in a tank)

Stick to the 2 of them, but if you do decide to get another, get another female, but personally, I hate love triangles... two will team up, & the third will be left heartbroken and rejected.... shame.

 

[rebrn]

Thanks Ludwig. I was hoping to stay with just the 2, but I didn't want to make them unhappy, but it sounds like they will be happier with just the 2 of them so I will stick with that. I thought the movements were probably related to courting, but wanted to make sure my female did have a health issue . I guess I will just have to start watching for eggs! But I am surprised that they would mate so quickly, I can't even get them to eat regularly yet, so I guess the mating drive is stronger than the eating drive

Thanks again