Pearl & Opaline Gourami Problems

[Annchapman]

I have had a pair of Pearl Gourami for about 3 months now in my 300 litre tank and the male seems to be very aggressive towards the female and keeps attacking her - is there any thing I can do to help the situation?
There is also a young male Opaline Gourami in the tank who is also attacking the female Pearl - he lost his mate at an early stage - should I replace his mate to help alleviate the situation or with it make no difference?The 2 males seem to ignore each other most of the time.
Thanks for any assistance
Ann

 

[SouthernCross]

Pearl gouramis and opalines are not very compatible species. Opalines are much more aggressive than pearls. It's not often recommended that you mix gourami species, especially the larger types.

If you insist on keeping both types together I would suggest increasing your numbers of females, say at least two for each male (if you have the room of course) as it stops one from being harasssed all the time, and might keep your males occupied.