heartsongsinger

I'm considering getting another tank and was thinking about possibly getting gouramis. I've read up on them a bit but some of the sites have conflicting info. I'd just like to know from the people who have gouramis what to expect if I got them. ie: what I'd have to do to make them happy

Alessa

Dwarf Gouramis are awesome fish!

but there is a disease going on with them right now... read: Dwarf Guorami, Bettas and Iridovirus

you should keep them as singles on at least a 10 gallon tank, since they are very active, and since they are within the same family of the bettas, boys dont really like being with other boys, although if you have a big enough tank you might get away with it.

If you keep a boy and a girl together in a small tank the female will be chased constantly.

Try not to keep them with other agressive fish.

Just like the bettas, Gouramis are bubble nest builders, and need something floating, like a hornwort plant or something to make their nest stable.

other than that, they are awesome little things with a ton of personality!

rifter098

i really like my pearl gouramis...their color pattern is really cool, and they are by far the most peaceful species of gouramis
as long as they get fed and have reasonable amounts of places to hide, they should be happy fish
as far as good info, www.liveaquaria.com has good stuff on individual species, as does www.thatfishplace.com

heartsongsinger

Thanks. The tank I get will probably be at least 20 gal. Right now I'm debating on even getting another tank. If I do get one I'd either put Gouramis or Tiger Barbs in it. Are there any fish I should avoid putting in with Gouramis?

Alessa

In that size tank you have room for dwarfs or pigmys. Avoid anything agressive (angels, cichlids, other gouramis...)

Although if you are going for the Pygmy (aka. sparkling) they are peaceful enough to be kept with others.

heartsongsinger

thanks. i'll keep that in mind if I get a new tank

rifter098

yea, only dwarfs gouramis in a 20...
maybe 1 male dwarf, 6 rasboras, and 3 cories...just an example that i thought of real quick lol

heartsongsinger

ok, thanks. could I add like 3 livebearers? because I love mollies and swordtails

rifter098

u could try them...i would think they would be ok...but dont expect many babies to survive the gouramis...

heartsongsinger

That's fine I'm not really interested in babies I just love the fish.

Alessa

that should be fine, just do the math and make sure you dont overstock it

voiceless_kat

I had 4 dwarf gouramis - all males - 3 orange and 1 neon blue. The orange ones chased the blue all the time, but nothing mean, no nipping. There were also sailfin mollies in the tank - they got along fine, and are neat fish.

I screwed up and got a blue gourami ( the tank is 55g ) and one by one he picked off the dwarfs - chased and nipped so much they died of stress, I believe. I managed to get the 4th little guy out and put him into my rainbow tank. (He is still hiding, poor guy)

I love gouramis, and the dwarfs were such fun to watch. I also have a honey gourami in another tank, he is the only one, but he is neatalso.They would also work in your smaller tank. All of mine are very active fish.

My blue is a beautiful fish, but he is a big bully ( and too large for your tank).

I think your choice of fish sounds like a fun tank. As alessa said, be sure you don't overstock! Good luck!

Val

T Fishie

I have 2 golden gouramis and they are great! They get along with each other and my neons.They are pretty hearty,good beginner fish.

heartsongsinger

Thanks everyone. I've got what I needed to know.