Looking for non dwarf gouramis who can not carry dwarf gourami disesase

In a recently started aquarium (last summer) I had 3 dwarf gouramis (different kinds) and have since lost 2 to what I believe is the dwarf gourami disease which some people suspect all dwarfs carry. I have one left and am sure it is just a matter of time until he falls ill as well. They all stop eating, get very lethargic, and end up dying a long slow death. It is very sad and not something I want to witness again.

So can you suggest some types of gouramis that are not of the dwarf variety, who would not be a carrier of this disease? I am looking into getting 2 kissing gouramis as I have been told they are not dwarfs. Will this type be safe? Any other options I should consider?

Thank you so much! =)

 

Your tank is already overstocked. I'm afraid unless you rehome the shark and clown loach, I can't give any options for new fish.

 

Well I am going to be getting a larger tank for those guys and possibly the gouramis. Just want to know if there are any types that don't carry the disease.

 

Honey gouramis (colisa chuna) are small, sweet and peaceful and can be kept in groups.
They are also immune to DGD.

I whole-heartedly agree with Lynda - you are overstocked with the RTS and clown loach (who should also have 5+ more buddies). It is the strong opinion of many experienced keepers on this forum to only buy fish that you have a suitable home for now, and not buy fish that you hope to upgrade their home in the future in order to accomodate them. Many things happen in life, preventing us from following through with our best intentions, but that doesn't make it fair on the fish.

1 male and 2 female honey gouramis would do well in a 29G without the RTS and clown loach. I'd also recommend filling out your other schools (tetras) before getting any more gouramis, and seeing how you think the tank looks with the additional activity.

 

Okay thank you for the info.

I asked at my LFS about the honey gouramis but was told they are dwarfs so didn't want to chance it.

What is wrong with my tetra schools? I know 3 is the minimum but I have 6 total so won't they school together?

 

You have 8 neons - that is a great sized school.
Most (including myself) disagree that 3 of anything is a 'school' of fish, as it does not sufficiently allow the fish to display normal schooling behaviour.
There was a thread getting around recently about proper school sizes, maybe a search would bring it up. There were some great posts in that.

Fish that are from the same family and genus, but different species, do not automatically school together. If they look VERY similar then they may, but most cases they will not. Serpae tetras and black skirt tetras are very different in body shape, and they will not consider the other tetras part of their school. The behaviours of each tetra also vary markedly, affecting how they will school with other tetras.

As stated above, honey gouramis are not technically a dwarf gourami, and not susceptible to the same disease. I would also recommend against any other species of gourami as they get too large for a 29G, especially taking into consideration your existing stock.

I hope this helps!

 

Kissing Gouramis grow up to a foot long, just so you know. I had two smaller ones before, and thought it was cute that they were 'kissing' and it wasn't until recently [years after they passed away] that I realized the 'kissing' behavior they display isn't of affection, it's because they test each others strength and get aggressive. So I wouldn't recommend them at all for a tank smaller than like 75 for when they're adults. Nor would I recommend getting a pair of them.

 

How many tetras would be the minimum for a school? I have 3 serpe and 3 black skirt. How many more do I need?

 

I have a blue 3 spot gourami, the non dwarf one..she does well with my angelfish and cory cats..though she was aggressive towards my other gourami..so just have one of them and they are usually pretty peaceful and very hearty!