Pearl Gouramis

[BOD]

why are they sort of kissing, it doesnt look agressive, but is it a form of agression? they just sort or lighlty put the lips toghter?

 

[sylvia]

Yes, it's a way of displaying aggression and disputing over territory or hierarchy. You probably have 2 males (who would appreciate having some females around) and the display doesn't look too violent because pearls are generaly very peaceful fish and, even when fighting, don't usualy cause each other harm. Other gourami species can also do this but with more detrimental consequences (though it rarely amounts to much more than a few scratches ).

 

[BOD]

How can you tell the difference between males and females then?

 

[pebbles]

hi bod , males have a longer and more pointed dorsal fin and extended fin rays on the anal fin , males show more red on the underside as well whilst 'courting'.

 

[sylvia]

Can ou post pics? pebbles explained it all quite well but there's even mroe you can look for. besides having a longer dorsal, extended finr ays on their dorsal and anal fin and more red-orange coloring on the throat/underside area, males also have a more pointed dorsal fin (though the extensions sometimes mask this) and look more stream-lined over all. They are also larger at maturity and tend to be darker and brighter-colored than the females which usualy have some grey-green highlights but only limmited amounts of orange. When viewed from above, females are very obviously wider (when ready to spawn) and generaly look deeper-bodied and more rounded when compared to a male. If you have 2 of different sexes, you should be able to see a very obvious difference between the two. If they look very similar to you, they must be the same sex (unless they are still much too young).