new gouramis, one injured

We just set up a new 20 gallon tank and bought two Gouramis last week. (The tank has been set up for a couple weeks getting the water ready.) These are the only two fish in the tank. It seems the 'blue' one is avoiding and swimming away from the 'orange' one. Now in the last day or so I notice what appears to be abrasions on the 'blue' one-- he is not swimming near as much and hanging near the top of the water level in the corner.

It obvious they do not get along and he is hurt. What are my options here? Can I replace with another Gourami, look for another type of fish, or replace both with species that get along?

Here is what I have. Help with type and sex as well as what other fish we could put in here is appreciated. I understand there is only room for a few. Thanks all!

 

Welcome to fishlore

Most Gouramis need to be housed one per tank. You have dwarves there, and they are no exception. Remove one, and get some schooling fish instead

 

As stated from above, either separate them in different tanks, or rehome one of them. Dwarf Gouramis are very closely related to Bettas (Meaning they do not like each other). Other Gouramis are great together, just not the dwarf kind.

 

Thank you for the prompt replies. If I understand correctly, we can still have two Gouramis, just not Dwarf's right? Thing is my girls really like these fish and we choose them over goldfish based on a friends recommendation and collaboration from the 'salesperson'.

 

No, the only commonly found gourami that can be kept in multiples are pearls and honeys. Pearls get too big, but honeys stay about 1/2 the size of dwarves. If you can find them, sparkling and croaking Gouramis can also be housed in groups.

If you chose goldfish, you'd also be in trouble. They get too large for a 20 gallon.

 

I don't care what anyone says, male gourami without females do not get along! I learned the hard way. My original dwarf chewed off ALL the fins including tail of the the new male gourami when I went out of town. The sad part was he was still alive, just laying in the bottom unable to swim. Everything I read was how peaceful they are but not with the same sex. If your hearts set on gourami's separate them or get male/female. From what I read they are difficult to breed if you are concerned about a tank full of fry.

 

Thank you for the prompt replies. If I understand correctly, we can still have two Gouramis, just not Dwarf's right? Thing is my girls really like these fish and we choose them over goldfish based on a friends recommendation and collaboration from the 'salesperson'.

From experience... opaline,blue, gold gourami's is a NO! Gold gourami's are very aggressive with everything well everything is 8 diiferent types I tried putting it in with.... I have a friend that doesn't have a problem....but not from my experience...

Opaline and Blue's are the same way BUT the gold was even more dominant than them.....

P.S. in most cases stay away from advice from a salesperson...

 

I have a male powder blue dwarf gourami, male guppies, platys and everyone gets along great. If you really want keep both males then get 4 females and provide lots of spaces for the boys to hide. I understand your children like them but they will be more upset to see one dead. FYI the attack at night so you wake up to the ugly surprise. My son has named all his fish including the one who was killed, so the loss was hard for him. They are beautiful fish but it's best to get other fish. Kids usually like variety anyway but if you have a dwarf then stick to more friendly fish like guppies, mollies and platies. Barbs and larger fish like to nip and those long antennas are very tempting.