Opaline Gouramis

[Ann from Vermont]

I just recently got two Opaline Gouramis. The big one is always chasing the smaller one around the aquarium. I'm assuming that the big one is the male because of his actions, but the smaller one is the more attractive of the two fish. I thought that male fish usually had the brighter colors? Could it be the female chasing the male??

The big one is not aggressive towards any of my other fish. I have a 125 gallon with a huge very intricate piece of driftwood, so the smaller one has no trouble getting away.

Ann from Vermont

 

[sylvia]

Have you considered they might be the same sex or just different ages? Anyway, males have a more pointed dorsal and anal fin and females look deeper-bodied and wider when viewed from above. With opalines, it becomes very obvious which fish are male and which female as they mature. If they are still young, sexing them accurately might be impossible as they develop at different speeds. I could try to help if you had some pictures.

 

[Ann from Vermont]

Hi Sylvia, Thanks for your response. We just got a digital camera for xmas, but haven't gotten to the point where I could post a picture on the web. Looking at them, they both look alike in shape, but the smaller one has better blue markings. They aren't tiny fish. One is about 4 " and one about 5". I'm assuming that they won't get a lot bigger. Maybe they are the same sex. Would that make the aggression thing worse, or not so bad?? Because of the size and number of hiding places in the tank, they really aren't a big problem to each other. I told the guy at the LFS that I eventually wanted angel fish and gentle community fish that would accept them. Will Opaline gouramis work okey ??

 

[Mr Miagi]

Hey hey. Goodluck with your digi cam. They can be a little tricky!

Anyways, back on topic, If you have young pearl gouramis they are hard too sex, but as they develope into adults, males have stricking orange colour on their chest, or chin, whichever you prefer to call it. And yes, they have longer pointier anal fins.

I have 4 gouramis, once 5, but one died..... , but they are great community fish, however some have been known to posses a radical or mean identity!!!! LOL

 

[sylvia]

They aren't pearls, they are three-spots. Pearls are much more peaceful.

Anyway, it sounds like they are almost fully grown so sexing them shouldn't be too difficult. If they are both females, the aggression shouldn't ever become a major problem. However, if they are both males, even in a big tank, you need to keep an eye on them. Sometimes they can get very nasty and several that I have kept have killed each other (I have since learnt my lesson ). They won't usualy be a problem for other fish though they don't get along well with other gouramies. Angels and peaceful community fish are generaly fine. Just make sure none of the fish nip or they will take of the delicate ventrals. In a tank with plenty of places to hide and retreat to, any aggression should be moderate. If you see things are getting worse, I would consider taking one out or at least re-aranging the tank.

 

[Ann from Vermont]

I also have two pearl gouramis.....got them at the same time I got the opalines. The Pearls are a little smaller. One is about 4" and one 3". For several days the big one was a total coward, hiding in the floating plants. Finally he ( or she ) has joined the crowd and is right there at feeding time. The playing tag is still gong on with the two opalines. I don't think it is too serious....as the smaller will grab a bit to eat during the chase if I have just fed. As soon as we get a little better with this digital cameral, I'll post pictures and see if I can get some help with sexing them. thanks.