Help - Pearl Gourami Behavior

I added two Pearl Gourami to a newly cycled tank two hours ago.

They are the only fish in the tank.

Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0, Nitrates <5ppm

I did a 60% water change four hours prior to adding the fish.

One looked unhappy from the start, just went straight to the plants and stayed there.

The other looked pretty happy for an hour, but now is also hiding in the plants.

The first one is just sitting by the filter not moving. The second is almost lying on the substrate amongst the plants.

Neither have moved in the last 45 minutes.

I can't really see the one by the filter, but the other seems to be breathing normally.

I just don't know why they seem so unhappy.

The first photo is within the first hour in the tank.

The rest are now.

Hold on: the second one got up and did one lap of the tank suddenly seemed fine (Photo).

Then went back and sat in a new spot in the plants.

The first of one still hasn't moved though?

Is this normal behaviour for Pearls?

 

I'm not exactly a gourami expert (although I have kept them before) I would give it a day because they could just be settling in. Not sure though sorry!

 

Hold on: the second one got up and did one lap of the tank suddenly seemed fine (Photo).

Then went back and sat in a new spot in the plants.

The first of one still hasn't moved though?

Is this normal behaviour for Pearls?

Did you treat the water after changing the water? What is your ph? I keep my pearls in 7.0 ph with no issues. It could be because your ph is much different than what they came from and are just adjusting. Or it could be that you didn't treat the water.

 

You've got two males.

 

OMG. The kids went to bed 10 minutes ago and suddenly both Pearls started acting like normal fish. Lol

Talk about skittish!

I only hope they can adjust to their new surroundings over time.

P.S. My PH is around 7.6 which should be ok for them.

You've got two males.

Yes, Intentionally and because my LFS's only sell male fish.

 

Yes, Intentionally and because my LFS's only sell male fish.

Ok and how big is the tank Nick?

The behaviour is quite normal for new gouramis but two males could be an issue. They are both in matingmood ans awesomely colored cause of that.

 

It's a 50g. Heavily planted and with 3 artificial caves and a couple of pieces of wood.

I'm hoping all the available cover will ease aggression or at least provide escape routes.

 

It's a 50g. Heavily planted and with 3 artificial caves and a couple of pieces of wood.

I'm hoping all the available cover will ease aggression or at least provide escape routes.

Okay, happy it is a decent sized tank.
Fingers crossed

 

I think they are jus getting used to the tank.

And both are males.

With a 50, and plenty of plants, you should be OK.

Do you plan to add additional fish??

A school of something like harlequin rasporas would help IMO.

 

I think they are jus getting used to the tank.

And both are males.

With a 50, and plenty of plants, you should be OK.

Do you plan to add additional fish??

A school of something like harlequin rasporas would help IMO.

Yes, as soon as my kids went to bed the Gourami's started acting normally, swimming at all levels, and have seemed very happy for the last few hours.

Not sure if the Gourami's were sensative to all the noise and movement of having the kids in the living room, or its a coincidence and they just needed a couple of hours to settle in.

Guess I'll find out tomorrow.

But in any case they seem fine now.

I mentioned in another thread that I'm considering a school of 10x Red Eyed Tetra.

 

I think the red eye tetra would be a perfect addition.

 

I have a small school of red eyes. They're great to watch: when they're relaxed, they take over the whole tank, then they come back together and school for a while. Best of both worlds, and they're hardy and pretty to boot! It took mine about about a week to get used to my noisy kids, but now they come to the front if the tank when someone walks by. Your tank sounds like it's going to be beautiful! Do you have a front picture? Good luck with your pearls!

 

My gourami's are all pretty shy, they like to hide much of the time. I wouldn't worry. Once they get settled in and find themselves a spot they like they'll spend a good bit of time there. They'll have periods of activity but they're not going to be in constant motion like some other fish will do.

 

I have 2 Pearls in a 29 gallon,one seems a bit aggressive but it is nothing to worry about.

 

I have 2 Pearls in a 29 gallon,one seems a bit aggressive but it is nothing to worry about.

2 males ?

 

I have a small school of red eyes. They're great to watch: when they're relaxed, they take over the whole tank, then they come back together and school for a while. Best of both worlds, and they're hardy and pretty to boot! It took mine about about a week to get used to my noisy kids, but now they come to the front if the tank when someone walks by. Your tank sounds like it's going to be beautiful! Do you have a front picture? Good luck with your pearls!

Thanks Otocinclus13

Here is the tank

Update (more help required):

After some very skittish behaviour for a few hours when introduced to the tank, the Pearls settled in nicely and were using every inch of the tank.

During the first two weeks+ they got along very well, we're often at each others side, but would flare up a bit during feeding.

Suddenly over the last 48hrs things have taken a bad turn.

They are going at each other with venom.

They end up fighting, fully flared, in a tight cycular pattern, each trying to inflict damage to the others torso.

Both are now showing the scares, with small patches of missing scales.

They have a 3 minute bout then separate for 30 minutes to an hour, then back at it again.

It's lights out now and they are remaining stationary at a distance, but I think I may have made a bad mistake homing two males in my 50g.

I can't return or rehome either, so I have some tough choices ahead.

I optimistically hope they may work it out, but as DoubleDutch had predicted above it may be that these two can't share this space.

What to do?

Would quickly adding a school of Red Eyed Tetra break the focus on the only two fish in the tank, giving them something else to think about?

If they go on like this I fear both may be killed.

Removing one would I'm afraid mean euthanasia, would this be kinder than letting them fight to the death?

The sad thing is I thought it was kinder to have two in the tank to keep each other company

 

mabye get some more to get less aggression

 

mabye get some more to get less aggression

That is a bad idea. The older ones might fight/kill the new ones. Maybe getting 4-6 females would be better but I would not risk it.

 

mabye get some more to get less aggression

You may be right, but that sounds like fighting fire with dynamite - can be done but it's risky.

My LFS doesn't have any more in stock, but they do have some very nice Opaline Gourami in stock.

I thought about getting a pair a few days ago when things were still fine, but decided not to push my luck.

I really don't want to risk introducing more Gourami unless I'm fairly sure it won't make things worse.

 

That is a bad idea. The older ones might fight/kill the new ones.

oh actually don't do it I was thinking add some to throw the aggression around to spread the aggression instead of having it focas on 2 fish

 

That is a bad idea. The older ones might fight/kill the new ones. Maybe getting 4-6 females would be better but I would not risk it.

I can't get females here, the local market only sell males. It's one of the reasons I ended up with two males in the first place.

 

Do you have a way to separate them? With 2 breeder nets or something? Then you could buy another male and rearrange the tank then add them all at the same time.

 

Its a 50 gallon amd the only occupants are 2 male pearls?
Go get 6 female pearls (FEMALE!) and add them in to give them a proper social group to establish a heirarchy with.
Also while you're out get some tall plants to out in the tank to break up line of sight. Jungle valisneria, amazon swords, anacharis etc. The plants you currently have in the tank do not go up past half way in the tank - gouramis often spend time near the surface. With nothing up there to break line of sight one male will try to claim the entire top of the tank as his.
Floating plants with roots which will hang down also help break up the top. Things like water lettuce and dwarf salvinia or red root floaters.

 

Why can't you rehome one of them? Most LFS will take fish in, or post a free fish add on craigslist?

 

I can't get females here, the local market only sell males. It's one of the reasons I ended up with two males in the first place.

Its a 50 gallon amd the only occupants are 2 male pearls?
Go get 6 female pearls (FEMALE!) and add them in to give them a proper social group to establish a heirarchy with.
Also while you're out get some tall plants to out in the tank to break up line of sight. Jungle valisneria, amazon swords, anacharis etc. The plants you currently have in the tank do not go up past half way in the tank - gouramis often spend time near the surface. With nothing up there to break line of sight one male will try to claim the entire top of the tank as his.
Floating plants with roots which will hang down also help break up the top. Things like water lettuce and dwarf salvinia or red root floaters.

Why can't you rehome one of them? Most LFS will take fish in, or post a free fish add on craigslist?

I'm in Malaysia, things are a little different here.

 

I'm in Malaysia, things are a little different here.

Ahhh I see

 

Just saw your posts about lack of females.
Ask the LFS to order in females for you. Most LFS will do so to make a sale.

The other option is attempting an all male fraternity but that is best done adding all the males around the same size at the same time. If you were to attempt that you'd need to totally rearrange the whole tank.

 

Just saw your posts about lack of females.
Ask the LFS to order in females for you. Most LFS will do so to make a sale.

The other option is attempting an all male fraternity but that is best done adding all the males around the same size at the same time. If you were to attempt that you'd need to totally rearrange the whole tank.

I originally asked my LFS for a male/female pair and was told they only sell males as the breeders/wholesalers won't sell females.

Seems they are very protective of their market.

I could get the two male Opaline Gourami tomorrow, but I'm worried that would make things worse.

 

Can you put the 2 gouramis in separate containers, rearrange the tank, buy at least 1 more male PEARL (not opaline) gourami, then add them all to the tank at the same time?

 

Can you put the 2 gouramis in separate containers, rearrange the tank, buy at least 1 more male PEARL (not opaline) gourami, then add them all to the tank at the same time?

Not immediatley. The LFS is out of Pearls. The other three stores I know don't carry Gourami at all.

How confident are you that adding a third male would be a good way to go?

 

Adding 2-3 more males would be better. It would most likely be fine if the tank decorations are at different places, there's a lot of plants for them to hide in, and they are all in the tank at the same time. Kind of like a betta sorority. Has a chance of failing but much easier if you do things correctly.

 

Adding 2-3 more males would be better. It would most likely be fine if the tank decorations are at different places, there's a lot of plants for them to hide in, and they are all in the tank at the same time. Kind of like a betta sorority. Has a chance of failing but much easier if you do things correctly.

Are you talking from your own experience ?
I'd expect that to end in a massacre.
But I can be wrong.

I don't understand what exactly it is based on. Dividing agression?

 

Are you talking from your own experience ?
I'd expect that to end in a massacre.
But I can be wrong.

I don't understand what exactly it is based on. Dividing agression?

It is from my friend’s and my experience keeping 5 male pearl gouramis in a 55 gallon tank. I helped to set up the tank but it was not mine. How would a betta sorority be possible to have peace if multiple male pearl gouramis would all kill each other? Pearl gourami are supposed to be peaceful. They are probably aggressive because there are only 2 of them and being male but if there are 3 or more the aggression is spread and pearl gouramis like to be in a group.

 

From my friend’s experience who kept 5 male pearl gouramis in a 55 gallon tank. I also helped to set up the tank. How would a betta sorority be possible? Pearl gourami are supposed to be peaceful. They are probably aggressive because there are only 2 of them and being male but if there are 3 or more the aggression is spread and pearl gouramis like to be in a group.

Okay I got it. Uhhh cause betta are different fish?

Think they are aggressive cause they are ij matingmood.

 

Okay I got it. Uhhh cause betta are different fish?

Think they are aggressive cause they are ij matingmood.

Bettas are supposed to be more aggressive than pearl gourami? Adding 4-6 or more females has a higher success rate than adding a few more males but it’s still better than only having 2 males.

 

Bettas are supposed to be more aggressive than pearl gourami? Adding 4-6 or more females has a higher success rate than adding a few more males but it’s still better than only having 2 males.

Yeah I understand that, but more or less aggresive doesn't make fish comparable to me. They all have their own behaviour..

 

I have 2 male pearls, initially there was aggression but I took them and rearranged the tank before adding them back. Haven't had a problem since.

Is the tank heated? What temp is it at?

 

Pearls don’t really hurt the fish they chase. It’s more of non stop harassment. They constantly chase. My male never hurts my female, it’s more like he just chases her and she over exaggerates(dont think fish can do that though) and runs away.

All that I would see is non stop chasing with 3 males, I don’t think they’ll actually kill each other, but it can stress them out alot.

 

I have 2 male pearls, initially there was aggression but I took them and rearranged the tank before adding them back. Haven't had a problem since.

Is the tank heated? What temp is it at?

Thank you candiedragon - that's encouraging. Perhaps I can get this to work as well.

I don't use a heater due to the climate here in Malaysia, the tank temperature ranges from 27.5c (81.5f) to 28.4c (83f), mainly staying at 28c (82.4f).

The 50 gallon dimensions are 36"x18"x18", so it's three foot long, wide and tall. It's pretty spacious considering they are the only fish in the tank at present.

It's also pretty heavily planted and includes 3 ceramic caves and some wood features.

On Tuesday when the worst of the aggression broke out the tank looked like this:




I bought some new plants on Wednesday, so late Wednesday night I changed it to this:


The fighting had been going on for a good 48hrs before I made these changes, and has stayed at the same high level of aggression since.

I'd say my pearls are about 3.5" at the moment.

How long have you had your Pearls? How big are they?
How big is your Pearl tank? Do you have a photo you could share?

Pearls don’t really hurt the fish they chase. It’s more of non stop harassment. They constantly chase. My male never hurts my female, it’s more like he just chases her and she over exaggerates(dont think fish can do that though) and runs away.

All that I would see is non stop chasing with 3 males, I don’t think they’ll actually kill each other, but it can stress them out alot.

For the first 2 weeks+ this tank had low aggression with the two Pearls, their was a little bit of chasing and some gentle nipping at feeding time. This fits your description above.

Over the last 3 days what I have seen is different. Originally the Alpha would chase the other a little and he would run and hide for 1 minute, then carry on as normal.

Now they both Flare their fins when in close range.

Sometimes they face off mouth to mouth trying to back the other down, sometimes one will just steam straight into an attack.

It ends with them interlocked in a tight cycle, biting and butting their heads as hard as they can into the others torso.

They don't nip fins, they go for the body.

Both are looking a little beaten up. They come away with lumps and patches of missing scales.

I'll check up on them tonight when I get home from work, but if they don't calm down soon I can't see how they can both survive.

I'll also try to get some photo's of the missing scales, and the fighting in action.

It's really quite distressing as you can see they are doing real damage to each other.

Update:

I called the shop that sold me the Pearls and after explaining he said:

1) He thinks they are fighting out of boredom as they are the only fish in the tank. He advised I add more fish quickly.

2) He is prepared to put one of them in a 10 gallon tank in his store until I have more fish.

This shop is about an hour away from me, but I could get down there tomorrow if the fighting continues.

After this call I went to another LFS that is just 5 minutes from work.

They had nine Red Eyed Tetra. So I bought the lot and will go back to pick them up after work today.

Not sure how good this advice was, but it's worth a try.

 

Thank you candiedragon - that's encouraging. Perhaps I can get this to work as well.

I don't use a heater due to the climate here in Malaysia, the tank temperature ranges from 27.5c (81.5f) to 28.4c (83f), mainly staying at 28c (82.4f).

The 50 gallon dimensions are 36"x18"x18", so it's three foot long, wide and tall. It's pretty spacious considering they are the only fish in the tank at present.

It's also pretty heavily planted and includes 3 ceramic caves and some wood features.

On Tuesday when the worst of the aggression broke out the tank looked like this:
View attachment 531181


I bought some new plants on Wednesday, so late Wednesday night I changed it to this:
View attachment 531182
The fighting had been going on for a good 48hrs before I made these changes, and has stayed at the same high level of aggression since.

I'd say my pearls are about 3.5" at the moment.

How long have you had your Pearls? How big are they?
How big is your Pearl tank? Do you have a photo you could share?

I'd say my Pearls are about 4.5" give or take. I've had them maybe about a year now. They're in an 80g community tank with Rainbows, a Gold Gourami, Zebra Loaches, a Rainbow Shark, and a grow-out Black Shark. I didn't have a photo off-hand so I turned the light on to take some pictures lol. So they're not exhibiting their best colors since I've disturbed their sleepy time and didn't even so much as give them food lol. Don't mind the mess, this tank is super old and I still consider it my dad's tank but I take care of it lol, eventually I'm planning to re-scape this tank.

20190221_223811

• dojafish
• Feb 22, 2019

20190221_223746

• dojafish
• Feb 22, 2019

You can try the Red Eye Tetras to help act as dither fish to give a sense of calm in the tank, but it's not a guarantee solution. The next thing I could suggest is that you add some tall hardscape (ie. driftwood, branches, stones, etc.) to add more breaks in line of sight.

Warmer temperatures usually speeds up metabolism, and can even increase aggression in some fish (I mean, who doesn't get irritable when it's hot?). It's difficult to try and rule out since that's just the weather in your area, but certainly could be a factor to consider.

I'm not sure how the laws work in Malaysia if you could try to order some females online, if you need a permit like we do in Hawaii, if you can even obtain a permit. Maybe you could try looking around for clubs for fish keepers in your area or on social media and see what other options you can open up. For me, I found out there's a neocaridina shrimp breeder in my town and I never thought that there was any neocaridina shrimp at all in Hawaii! I also found people who have Nerite Snails and Mystery Snails but none of the fish stores on this island ever carry or won't order them in for whatever reason. If that is an option, I highly encourage you to give it a try and see what you can get out of it.