What's Eating My Gourami?

[RyanV]

I noticed today that my gourami is missing one of his feelers. Why would this happen when I only have tropical, non-aggressive fish?

4 guppies
2 dalmatian mollies
2 black mollies
2 silver mollies
2 red wigs
2 bueno aires tetra
1 blue gourami

 

[fishprotector]

I would put my money on the Bueno Aires Tetra, especially if there are only two of them. If you can, up numbers to at least 6-8 to keep any aggresion between them. They are known for being a bit nippy otherwise.

Oh and as long as your water is nice and clean, it should grow back soon.

 

[RyanV]

Thanks for the answer! I have noticed them chasing a few fish every once in a while, but was surprised to see them eat my gourami. I have a new 55 gallon tank I just setup yesterday and I was planning on putting semi- aggressive fish in there, would the tetras do better in there?

 

[fishprotector]

Depending on what other species, that would work out well. A large shoal of 15 plus would look great with some lush green plants. I have got a shoal of 17 Black Ruby Barbs and must say that large shoals are the way forwards.

 

[Ruskull]

I had a similar problem with Tiger Barbs nipping at the feelers of my Gold Gourami male. He'd chase them away but they'd sneak up on him, nip, then swim back to get lost among the other Tiger Barbs. The Barbs had to go..............