Female pearl with male dwarf?

Hi,

I'm new to all this so please forgive me if I sound a little dumb. I'm getting conflicting information from various sources including my three local aquatic shops.

I have a 190l tank (I think around 50-55G?) of which I would eventually like to put in some gourami. I'm currently doing a fishless cycle so they won't be purchased for a while. I want to slowly add in other community fish before I start to think about purchasing any gourami so they will be the last fish to go in.

I would ideally like a pearl and a dwarf but understand that this may not be possible? I've read lots that two males in a tank will not get along well so I was wondering if a female pearl would get on with a male dwarf as I think the female pearl is just as pretty as the male whereas the female dwarfs tend to be less colourful. If it won't work then I would be happy to change my selection to what is best for the fish but I figured it can't hurt to ask.

So far the information I have been given has been:

You can put 2-3 males in as long as you have no females (I've found lots of information that says this isn't true)

You have to have a pair of male and female (Is it not possible to have just one?)

You need 1 male and 2 females in a tank (that conflicts with the pair advice)

You can't mix types of gourami (yet keep seeing people say they have done it)

Can you see why I am so confused? Any help or advice would be grateful as I would like to try and get the balance in the tank right. The gourami options will effect my choices of other community fish so I need to have a clear vision of my tank before I start adding in fish. Thank you.

 

2-3 males possible as long as there are no females? Depending on species / characters that could be, but they can start to fight till one is left.
Why wouldn't you keep one Pearl with two females.
Dwarfs are intensely bred and don't last that long. Very prone to DGD. Besides of that why putting a male and female of two different species together. They won't really social interact and swim on their own.

 

Thank you for the reply.

I'm happy to do what ever needs to be done. I've just been given so much conflicting information its getting hard to know what is going to be the best combination for the fish.

Would you say I would be best to stay away from the dwarfs then? I'm not sure my tank would be big enough for three pearls so would a male and female pearl be alright or would he end up harassing the female all the time if there is just one?

With regards to the two different species swimming alone and not interacting would that be the same as just getting one of the same species? Would there be conflict between them? The reason I ask is because if it is possible to do without causing harm or stress to them I would like to have the variety in my tank.

Sorry for all the questions but I'd rather get things wrong on here than in my tank.

 

I don't know of anyone that has successfully kept a pearl and a DG together, regardless of sex. Usually, you only want to do one gourami species per tank. And since female DG's are rare and not as colorful, people usually keep 1 male DG bc multiple males would fight.

Pearls, however, are much more peaceful and females are just as common as the males in the stores. If you are looking to add more than 1 pearl, then I would do 1m, 2f.

 

You tank is big enough for 3 pearls. They are no "swimmers". I have had two (male/female) and those where a great couple !

Personally I'd leave the DG's in the LFS. Soooo many issues with those.

 

I have a 190l tank (I think around 50-55G?) of which I would eventually like to put in some gourami. ... I would ideally like a pearl and a dwarf but understand that this may not be possible? ...

A 55 gallon can be large enough for a pearl and a dwarf if done right. (A 45g breeder, 3' long, 2' wide, 1' deep, is even better than a 55g.)

Sight lines need to be broken up with plants, driftwood, etc. Filtration/aeration needs to be minimal, nonexistent is ideal. You see, the trick to creating a peaceful environment is to create an equal environment. Gourami prefer stagnant water. If one side of the tank is turbulent due to filtration/aeration, then the prime estate is the other side. Then one of the gourami needs to exhibit his/her dominance. Then you have problems.

... I've read lots that two males in a tank will not get along well so I was wondering if a female pearl would get on with a male dwarf as I think the female pearl is just as pretty as the male whereas the female dwarfs tend to be less colorful. ... You can put 2-3 males in as long as you have no females (I've found lots of information that says this isn't true) You have to have a pair of male and female (Is it not possible to have just one?) You need 1 male and 2 females in a tank (that conflicts with the pair advice) ...

All the conflicting info you received on gender tally up to be one big moot point, as you have two different species that cannot interbreed with each other.

Hope this helps and please update us on the outcome.

 

Thank you for all the replies. Based on your advice I will be stocking my tank with 1 male and 2 female pearls. I would rather play it safe than take a gamble. It's going to be a few months before I get them as like I said earlier I am still going through a fishless cycle but at least I can work out my other community fish now.

Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out. It is much appreciated.

 

Welcome to fishlore Jo Woolley! Good choice.

 

Just wanted to add on late.. I've kept DG with Pearls, other Gourami and betta splendens ( A male and 4-5 females) BUT it was in a 6 foot tank that was half densely planted and half rock. The planted side had a lot of val that went TOP to bottom and caused a good break, plus driftwood. I originally had a few DW including a female but one of the males was not nice.. and they were very susceptible to disease. I am not a fan of DW anymore. I did end up having a male pearl gourami and 4 females I think.. if I were you.. I'd also opt for the Pearl Gourami trio. They are one of my favorite fish.