Pearl Gourami Aggression (Newb Mistake)!

[Dancake]

Morning,

When I got back into keeping fish a year or so ago I stocked my 125L tank with a couple of male Pearls. They were fine as juveniles but now they are mature one of them has started with some real aggression towards the other. It got to the point where he just stayed tucked in a corner next to the filter and hardly came up for air. I have separated them for the time being but want to keep them both if I can.

I have my new 240L completing its cycle soon and wanted to ask you guys and girls if they would be less agressive in a larger tank given more territory? The only other alternatives I can see would be.

1. Replace one or both with females or another breed of Gourami.
2. Increase the shoal so that any aggression is diluted between them.

Any bright ideas?

Cheers,

Dan

 

[LondonguyJ]

I would take the more aggressive male out of the aquarium and add two females. But to be honest, I was more concerned with the fact that your fish come up for air?

May I ask what method you use to oxygenate the aquarium?

 

[Dancake]

I would take the more aggressive male out of the aquarium and add two females. But to be honest, I was more concerned with the fact that your fish come up for air?

May I ask what method you use to oxygenate the aquarium?

They have a labyrinth organ that allows them to breath air so it is perfectly normal behaviour. The aquarium has dual bubbler airstones so plenty of oxygenation.