Tchaku

I'm running into similar problems with my 2 powder blue (male)gouramis. LFS assured me one was female but on further research I've confirmed they're both male. They were introduced to my 20G planted tank 4 days ago. The 5 Serpae tetra continually stalk and nip at the more docile male gourami and the dominant male is chasing and occasionally nipping at the docile one as well. Also have 5 silver tip tetras in there which are getitng along with all the others. Tried moving around the decor and creating more hiding places with the various plants. This worked for a day or so but the nipping has started again. Thinking about returning the docile goraumi as the dominant one seems to be holding his own against the serpaes. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Shawnie

Hi tchaku! welcome to fishlore..I moved your thread as the other one might not get the attention you need....

with all the fish you have in the tank, the gourami's, which are very territorial, dont have space to call their own...I would return one like you were thinking ...goodluck!

Tchaku

Thanks Shawnie for the confirmation. I'll definitely do that.

Tchaku

Returned the second Powder Blue Gourami and all was well for 2 weeks aside from higer nitrate levels (between 20-50). I was changing the tank twice a week. The Gourami was doing fine with the other fish - minor fin nipping. All of a sudden he wasn't eathing much yesterday then when I came home this afternoon he was nose down in the gravel breathing quickly. Half an hour later he died. Not sure why...
The 30 day guarranty is in effect for the local fish store but that's beside the point, he quickly became my favorite fish! Is there anything I could have done that might have prevented this?