Boss Of The Tank

For a while now i've been looking for a fish to put in my tropical tank as a center piece, colorful and slightly bigger, to be the "Boss" of the tank. I originally wanted a Paradise Fish but because they are so aggressive and prefer cold water, I don't think that will work out.

So i've decided on three different fish I would like, and am only looking to get one in the near future. They are Dwarf Gouramis, Sparkling Gouramis, or Rainbow Sharks. Once again, i'm kinda worried how Dwarf Gouramis would work with this mix because i've read about them being semi-aggressive.

These are the fish that they would be sharing a tank with: Harlequin Rasboras, KuhlI Loaches, and smaller Corydoras Catfish species. I'm pretty positive Sparkling Gouramis would be fine, but does anybody have experience keeping these fish with a single Rainbow Shark or Dwarf Gourami?arky

 

If you read the Fishlore description of these two fish that you are considering you will see that Rainbow Sharks are not considered the bests addition to a community tank and that Dwarf Gouramis make an excellent choice.

I literally just followed the links and got that information on this website

 

I have read both of those, but honestly from other research i've done i've heard the opposite, that Rainbow Sharks are okay in community tanks and Dwarf Gouramis tend to be a bully. But each fish can be different so I was hoping to hear from someone who may have had experience with these particular fish. And I have personally seen a pack of Gouramis all going in together on a smaller fish. They tore it's fins up before I even left the pet store. But i'm sure there's also people who have had nice Gouramis and mean Rainbow Sharks.

 

I have read both of those, but honestly from other research i've done i've heard the opposite, that Rainbow Sharks are okay in community tanks and Dwarf Gouramis tend to be a bully. But each fish can be different so I was hoping to hear from someone who may have had experience with these particular fish.

I have kept a red tail shark (they are very similar to rainbows) and he was a bully. I don't think rainbow sharks would do well in a community setup, especially since they're known to eat smaller fish like harlequins.

What size is your tank? I don't have personal experience with gouramis, but I've heard of many people who've succesfully kept dwarf gouramis in community setups; just make sure you only get one, as they don't tolerate more of their own kind in their tank.

 

25 Gallons. Sad to hear yours was a bully, they're really nice looking fish, and usually a good price. They do get big though so that was a concern, like the Dwarf Gourami.
I may go with the Sparkling Gouramis, although they aren't as big as the Dwarf Gourami, I can keep more than one, unlike the Dwarfs. It also fascinates me that they talk to each other and make noise.

 

In 25 gallons, a rainbow shark wouldn't have enough room anyways I think either dwarf or sparkling gouramis would be fine in your tank!

 

Good point, I always see like 10 in the same tank and their all 2 inches at the pet store. I'd like a small one but then i'd have to get a bigger tank or sell it when it gets bigger. Definitely digging the Sparkling Gouramis though, maybe someone will have some knowledge on the aggression levels of the Dwarf Gouramis.

 

I had a red tail shark and he was probably the only fish in my community tank who didn't attack the others. He ruined every plant I put in the tank including plastic ones though hehe.

 

I'm no expert, but I have kept Dwarf Gouramis in community tanks with absolutely no problems. They were actually some of my favorite fish - beautiful.

My only problem with them recently, is that it's been years since I've seen any really nice specimens. Maybe I was just spoiled with my original pair, but all that I've seen recently have been lacking in color and consistency of their striping pattern.

I've never kept Rainbow (or Red tail) sharks because I was always warned of their potential aggression. No personal experience with them, however.

 

I'd consider a honey gourami. It's about the size of a dwarf, but reportedly less aggressive. I have two rainbow sharks (in different tanks), and one is constantly heckling other fish and the other one is mellow. Also I have an opaline gourami who was mellow for a while then suddenly shredded a couple of tetras. Sometimes its about individual fish.

 

I agree about the quality of the Dwarf Gouramis, the ones I see at the pet shops around here are very apathetic, and their colors and patterns are never nearly as nice looking as the ones i've seen online. It probably relates some to the way they are treated in pet shops/shipping i'd assume, its really sad they don't give them the proper care.

Yeah, I think the Sharks are out. I totally agree, it can all depend on the individual fish sometimes, and I don't want one ripping up any of my small fish, or even my plants. Maybe I could get one in the future if I do a large semi-aggressive tank.

I also really like some of the smaller non-serpentine Loaches, specifically the Zebra Loach (Botia Striata) ad of course the Yo-Yo Loach. I would really like to get some of those, but I assume i'd need atleast 3 so that would be a whole lot going on in the bottom of the tank with the Kuhlis and Corys. Thinking about starting a new tank just for those Loaches, and maybe an AngelFish.

 

As cool as the Dwarfs are and as awesome of a color pattern they have, I really think a few of the Sparkling/Croaking Gouramis would work out very well for my tank. I'm kinda sold on them now, and I a Dwarf Gourami may not look very good in that tank cause he would get much bigger than the Corys, Kuhlis, and Harlequins. Still diggin' em' though.

Still would love to do a large Angel/Loach tank too. What would go better with one/more Angelfish, Yo Yo Loaches or Zebra Botia Loaches? Both are just so enticing!