Scared, Bored, Lazy Or Stressed?!

[sforzauk]

I recently bought two female opaline gouramis for my 58litre tank. The last couple of days, however, one of them has been facing the back corner behind the plants. She doesn't go for her food very much and is sometimes chased by the other gourami, though usually they are very friendly. Is there anything wrong with her and is there anything I can do to help. Thanks for any help.

 

[Somethings Fishy Here]

Sometimes fish will act strange for a few days when introduced to an aquarium, but unfortunately thats probably not it, I'd check your water levels and if they are bad, I'd go for a water change as she could be stressed from that, beyond that I don't know that there is much more you can do unless she starts showing symptoms of a disease.

 

[sforzauk]

Sometimes fish will act strange for a few days when introduced to an aquarium, but unfortunately thats probably not it, I'd check your water levels and if they are bad, I'd go for a water change as she could be stressed from that, beyond that I don't know that there is much more you can do unless she starts showing symptoms of a disease.

Wow- that was quick XD
Thanks, the store I got my fish from tested the water when I got the fish and said that it was fine. I did a water change a couple of days ago so...nothing to do but to wait and see what happens.

 

[dwarfgourami]

Could she be bullied? 58 ltrs is c 15 US gallons, probably not more than 2 feet long, kinda small for a medium-sized gourami to get away if there is a problem. Are you sure you haven't got 2 males? Or if you have 1 m, 1 f, could he be pestering for sex?

 

[sforzauk]

Could she be bullied? 58 ltrs is c 15 US gallons, probably not more than 2 feet long, kinda small for a medium-sized gourami to get away if there is a problem. Are you sure you haven't got 2 males? Or if you have 1 m, 1 f, could he be pestering for sex?

I'm pretty sure as the dorsal fin is very rounded. The new one occasionally chases her, but then I see them right next to each other at other times, getting along great.

 

[dthoffsett]

If you don't have a test kit (tests for ammonia, nitrIte, nitrAte, ph, preferably liquid tests), I'd highly suggest getting one. Although your LFS may be reliable, there have been many posts on here from people who have had their water tested by the LFS who said it was "fine" and then purchase a test kit and get radically different results. With some LFS "fine" can mean traceable levels of ammonia and nitrIte, which should always be zero, unless you are cycling. The other advantage to your own test kit, is that when you are having potential problems, you can check your levels daily, and do water changes if necessary. Hopefully it's just a little bullying (is that a word ), and good luck.

 

[sforzauk]

I did a pH test yesterday and the water was at 7.5. I also used an internal bacteria medication after noticing a yellow/brown patch under her eye. She's been a lot better; out of the corner and feeding on crushed flakes.