littlejsm

We recently brought home two Dwarf Gourami's both male (I gather) one blue, one orange. The orange one has seemed to settle in well, not showing any aggression at all to the other gourami or other fish. But the blue one is 'pacing' and seems to be 'sulking' a bit. I have not seen him eat where as the other one is eating heaps...All the fish are just on flakes but I mite try something else. Any ideas on what I can do?

MeGustaUnaPez926

Dwarf Gouramis are really pretty shy. Mine didn't adapt too well at first, but they're really active now. I would give it a little more time, but here's some ideas. Make sure your tank is well stocked with tall plants for them to hide behind. A general rule is that fish will be more active if they know that they are able to hide. One other thing you might not have ever thought about with these fish, is that they are sensitive to loud noises, so if they're in a really busy room where you play music or have loud conversations, that might affect their behavior. I doubt thats the case, though. And, you just might have gotten a really shy one. As long as he's not showing signs of disease, I wouldn't worry to much, just keep an eye on him.

Shawnie

you can try some frozen bloodworms and baby brine shrimp..mine love them...is the two gouramis in your 15 gal? they need more space to get away from one another if that the case...and territories could be fought for until one is dead or stressed so much it dies...

Matt

Frozen brine shrimp worked for mine

They need there own space from each other and lots of caves


From Matt

littlejsm

Thanks, Yes mine are in a 15 G tank. The Orange does seem to bully the blue only a small amount, but then the blue seems to have his little territory around a plant. He just doesnt seem to eat so well, so I will try the brine shrimp. We are thinking of introducing a betta to the mix too do you think this could be a problem?

Shawnie

it would be a major problem...the two gourami's are going to be your problem down the line and adding a betta, who like to be alone, would intesify that...you are stocked already and adding more, would make things worse

littlejsm

Sorry for my ignorance but how big do dwarf gourami's grow to??

Shawnie

dont be sorry ...thats how we learn is asking

up to 4" is the biggest ive seen
but the more comfy they get in a tank the more territorial

littlejsm

I am quickly coming to learn the LFS, although very helpful may not be the place for advice.... Is it true then that Dwarf Gourami's should be sold in pairs. Sounds ;ike tey should just be on their own...

Shawnie

depends on size of tank and other fishies there..DG's do well alone as well as in pair or multiples if you have the room for them to make their own territory most LFS just want your money

littlejsm

Thanks. I hope the two I have, will do ok as they are really cool colours. I will give them a chance to settle in anyway.

Biscato33

As Shawnie said, some LFS just wawnt your money, and you should never take advice form the LFS. Dwarf gourami's are really great, I've never had one myself, but they are stunning, and are quite easy to care for.
You might want to buy a divider for the two gourami's in case they do get territorial later.

~ Ali

littlejsm

Thanks they really seem to be doing fine. The blue seems very shy but is coming into his own...