FishStix

I have a 35 gallon tank with (6) Neon Tetras, (4) Mollies and (1) Dwarf Gourami.

The Dwarf Gourami constantly is bullying the Mollies. He will actually "sneak" slowly up on them and then dart real quick at them. He does this all day long. Is this normal behaviour? As much as I like him I am thinking of taking him back to my LFS because one of the main things we wanted was "gentle" types of fish - which we thought the Gourami was. We don't like watching fish being bullied.

Thanks!

kittenface14

I have 5 Dwarf Gourami and I have a few Guppies and Blk Mollies with them and they are not aggresive towards each other. I dont know why he would be, but maybe someone will be able to answer that for you. If you feel you should bring him back then I would.

2lucky

Hmm... sometimes gouramis can be nasty towards other males of their sort but I don't know why he would be to your mollies.

Do you have lots of plants/hiding places to make him feel secure, also more plants/rocks etc can help break up the sight to other fish?
I'm not sure but maybe getting a bigger fish like an angel would put him back into his place.

pepetj

You could try removing the Dwarf Gourami for a few hours, rearrange aquascaping and see if it settles the aggression.

If this doesn't work you might consider embracing the almost inevitable Multi Tank Syndrome that most Fishlorians experience so I also suggest you start looking for tank #2.

Pepe
Santo Domingo

Master Snake

My dwarf gourami is a bully as well, that's why he gets his own tank! I think because the balloon mollies just waddle around all slow and awkwardly maybe he can't resist chasing them a bit! But in all seriousness my log fish (a type of african gourami) hunts the same way your dwarf bullies, sneaks up slowly on his prey and then darts real quick at them for the snatch.

kendrid

My molly was agressive toward my dwarf gourami for the first few days. Now often find them "sleeping" near each other under a plant.

If possible maybe return him for another? Not all of them are aggressive.

FishStix

Thanks for all the comments...though I'm still undecided as to what to do! Yes, we have tons of hiding spots in the tank. I'm still trying to get the hang of ONE tank- definitely not ready for a 2nd one!! Although we have already been talking about a larger tank to replace this one!

catfishtabbi

The dwarf in your picture is the more aggressive of the dwarfs. I wouldn't add an angel they nip at the gouramis very dominate fish, maybe you could choose a different dwarf, if your store has them. I have a predominately gourami tank and wouldn't be without them but they're not for every tank. They will definately eat fry, if you have them.The more gentle dwarfs are the honey and powder blue. You'll have to make sure these don't get picked on and i'm sure these two live together peacefuly.So you could actually have a orange/red and powder blue to add a splash of color and interest. P.S. the two i metioned stay smaller than the standard d.gourami.

mlfly

My DG is a very good community fish. However, if the Mollie gets a little too friendly with my Platy (they have bred a couple of times) then the DG chases the male Mollie away. This is, I hope, normal. I'm not sure I would worry about it.