Pearl Gourami Aggressiveness

I've had this female pearl gourami for about 6 months now and in the last month she has become increasingly aggressive towards my platys my red one especially.

30 gallon tank stock:
1 pearl gourami
2 platys
4 albino Cory catfish
5 cherry barbs

What I was wondering was if I could add more platys to diffuse the aggressiveness? Or what else would help? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have also put her in fish "timeout" already and that hasn't seemed to do much.

My pearl gourami has been getting really aggressive towards my platys. I only have 2 platys in there with the gourami and 5 cherry barbs and 4 albino cories. Would adding a few more platys diffuse the aggression? Any suggestions on what I should do to alleviate the aggression? I have a 29 gallon tank that has been running for over 8 months now.

 

My pearl gourami has been getting really aggressive towards my platys. I only have 2 platys in there with the gourami and 5 cherry barbs and 4 albino cories. Would adding a few more platys diffuse the aggression? Any suggestions on what I should do to alleviate the aggression? I have a 29 gallon tank that has been running for over 8 months now.

Hello there,
I think adding more platys would diffuse the aggression because that will confuse the gourami.
You can ask el337 she has a pearl gourami.
Good Luck !

 

How do I ask her? I literally just used this today for the first time hahaha

And thank your for the advice!

 

How do I ask her? I literally just used this today for the first time hahaha

I already tagged her to your thread, next time she logs in she'll get an alert about this.

 

Oh I'll thanks

 

Hi,

It's very unusual that pearls would be this aggressive as they are known to be one of the most peaceful gouramis. My two pearls ignore all the other fish in the tank including each other. However, each fish can have a different temperament I guess.

Is it just some chasing or is he nipping the other fish? What you could try is taking the pearl out, re-arranging the tank and then putting him back in to see if the new setting makes him feel as though he has no claim to any territory and hopefully be more peaceful.

If that doesn't work, maybe set up a separate tank for him or rehome him. I'm not sure adding more fish would help the situation.

 

She's been nipping the tails on one of my platys.. I'll definitely try that and get back to you on here.

 

From my experience, pearl gouramis aren't fans of livebearers. I tried pearls with mollies & guppies, but neither worked. I'd say trying to get more plants for the top of your tank is your best bet.

 

Could you guys explain why adding more platys might not help diffuse the aggression?

 

I don't think adding more of the other fish would do anything. It's not as if the pearl would see them as a threat though it wouldn't hurt to increase your cherry barbs to 6-8 and your corys to 8-10 since they do better in a larger shoal anyway.

By the way, I've had my pearls with guppies and they got along fine.

 

But wouldn't the larger number of platys help even out the aggression instead of just 1 or 2 being constantly nipped at?

And if it comes down to it would an lfs trade me another pearl for this one?

 

But wouldn't the larger number of platys help even out the aggression instead of just 1 or 2 being constantly nipped at?

Possibly but if you were to add more platies, I would only add 1-2 more max due to their bioload.

And if it comes down to it would an lfs trade me another pearl for this one?

You could call and find out?

 

Okay. Would a male or female pearl gourami be more peaceful?

 

Okay. Would a male or female pearl gourami be more peaceful?

I believe it depends on the fishes personality.

 

Is there any way to tell right off the bat in store?

 

IME, both are peaceful.

 

Adding more fish to diffuse aggression usually only works in schooling fish. If it's one singular fish spreading the aggression, he'll most likely get more violent and stressed by adding more. I would definitely see if you can get 1-2 more pearls, as they really thrive in groups!

 

But 1-2 more in a 29 gallon?

 

Your stock would be low enough if you take out the platys. Normally, it would be a no, but you sort of have a special deal here. Definitely wait for other people's input, though, as my pearl gouramis always had aggressive tendencies.

 

I would not put more than 1 pearl in this tank size as they can get up to 5 inches.