Question About Introducing New Gourami To The Tank

[SnBMeg]

In the (hopefully very near) future I'm finally going to be able to do some long-awaited rearranging of fish in one of my tanks. I'll be moving out 3 emerald catfish, one or more of 3 apple snails, and possibly both ottos, as well, leaving only an ADF and a near full-grown (5"+) female opaline gourami.

I've been thinking of getting a gold gourami (most likely another female) to add to the tank once all the moving is done (and at least one of my LFS just got some in, too!)

My main concern at this time is the difference in size. My opaline does occasionally pick on the catfish when they stray into "her" part of the tank, and they're about 2"+ long. The golds that I'd be able to get a hold of are about 2.5".

Is there nothing to worry about, since they're the same species? Or could size be an issue?

 

[sylvia]

Actually, that they are the same species makes matters worse. This is one of the most aggressive gouramies and they don't often get along. Any chance you could get more than one? If you can get, say 3 (how big is your tank?), getting smaller ones wouldn't be as big a problem as any aggression will be split. You shouldn't really keep only two anyway - I'd say four females minimum is necessary to keep aggression down. Obviously, don't get any males.

 

[SnBMeg]

The tank is only 20G. How many could I add if it'll be just the gouramis and an ADF?

The tank is moderately planted--and soon to be heavily planted--so that ups my potential bioload (in terms of waste) a bit.

If golds aren't an option, do you have any other recommendations?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Miss Wiggle]

i wouldn't put any 5" gourami in a 20g tank tbh think that's a bit small for them.

 

[sylvia]

In that case, don't add any more golds - don't add any more gouramies at all. Try a small school of dwarf chained loaches, maybe some praecox rainbowfish and perhaps a trio of swordtails - or something along those lines anyway.