Gourami Attacking Female

Hey guys. So... I picked up a pair of Opaline Gourami today. A male and a female. I put them in quarantine and they were totally cool for most of the day. As soon as I gave them a tiny bit of food the male started chasing the female away from the food which **** me off to be honest, but ok I’ll figure it out. A bit later I come over and she’s missing part of her tail and he’s now attacking her full on. So, I’ve separated them as best I can for now. With the lid to the 10 gallon. Will try to take them back tomorrow as I was told they are peaceful. Any advice on how to keep them safe? I moved the sponge filter to her side so she gets some air. Will they jump out? It’s not filled to the top. And am I depriving him of heat? He’s still trying to figure out how to get over to her. Is this commons behavior for these guys? The guy at the store is actually very experienced and knows his stuff. But maybe he didn’t understand what I meant by peaceful.

 

View attachment 584815 Hey guys. So... I picked up a pair of Opaline Gourami today. A male and a female. I put them in quarantine and they were totally cool for most of the day. As soon as I gave them a tiny bit of food the male started chasing the female away from the food which **** me off to be honest, but ok I’ll figure it out. A bit later I come over and she’s missing part of her tail and he’s now attacking her full on. So, I’ve separated them as best I can for now. With the lid to the 10 gallon. Will try to take them back tomorrow as I was told they are peaceful. Any advice on how to keep them safe? I moved the sponge filter to her side so she gets some air. Will they jump out? It’s not filled to the top. And am I depriving him of heat? He’s still trying to figure out how to get over to her. Is this commons behavior for these guys? The guy at the store is actually very experienced and knows his stuff. But maybe he didn’t understand what I meant by peaceful.

Sometimes Male's can either pester the females, or just be plain out aggressive. Opalines are actually on more of the aggressive side of Gouramis. I have a female Gourami with a bunch of small fish, and she's actually very peaceful, depends on fish to fish with their personality. That's why peaceful fish like Plattys should be in groups of three females for every one male, because all the males will bother the female to the point of death.

 

Hmm. I was under the impression these were peaceful. I understand aggression towards other fish and other males, I really didn’t think I’d have to separate one of each or risk her death. So, you think with Gouramis in general I should keep it 3-1 like that? Are Pearl Gouramis the same way? What about a group of girls w/ no males?

 

Hmm. I was under the impression these were peaceful. I understand aggression towards other fish and other males, I really didn’t think I’d have to separate one of each or risk her death. So, you think with Gouramis in general I should keep it 3-1 like that? Are Pearl Gouramis the same way? What about a group of girls w/ no males?

I've been told personally you shouldn't keep any Gourami's together, other than Pink Kissing's and stuff like that. Or breeding, but most people pull the female out right after they lay their eggs. I'm not saying it won't work, I'm just saying it's more unlikely than likely.

 

Well, that’s unfortunate. I posted pics of them above. You think she’ll be alright with that damage If I return him and keep her?

 

Well, that’s unfortunate. I posted pics of them above. You think she’ll be alright with that damage If I return him and keep her?

Should be fine, looks more like mostly soft tissue damage. The best thing to heal wounds is clean water, adding a bit of salt wouldn't hurt.

 

Pearls are on the less aggressive side but can still be boisterous. Three spots can be deadly, it was hard getting my male to live with anything his size and females can be just as bad. Obviously it depends on the individuals but they can be kept in harems in groups of 5 or 6.