Sunset Thick Lipped Questions

[chloelmaoo]

So I have had my trio (1M 2F) in the 20G L for 3 days (today being the start of the 4th). They get along well every other time of the day besides feeding time. They will eat together with no chasing right up until the food gets sparse. They then begin to defend their territory and give a chase for up to 10-20 minutes. I wanted to know if this is normal or if this is cause for concern? I read that the food aggression/territorial issues happen when being first introduced but I’m not sure when these habits should stop? I also read that if this continues a method to fix this issue would to be remove the more dominant gourami for a week and then add him back into the tank. Is this something I should consider doing if this does not subside? I can tell that they are just giving a chase off their front. There is very little information on Sunset Thick-lipped behavior and would really appreciate any help!

 

[Kribensis27]

jinjerJOSH22

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

Hi, I think it's fairly normal Gourami behaviour to be honest. My male Pearls were like this in my 63 until one day they just didn't anymore. I think it just takes time. Just be sure that the fish are all eating. Maybe consider it after a few weeks but this has never really solved the issue for me and in my experience just resets them having to establish a pecking order, which the already dominant fish usually ends up in the same position.
I would watch for an individual becoming isolated, that would be my only worry, if one starts hiding all the time and doesn't come for food, that's when you have a real issue.

 

[Gamer]

I had a thick lipped gourami and it was maybe the most peaceful gourami I ever had!

 

[chloelmaoo]

I had a thick lipped gourami and it was maybe the most peaceful gourami I ever had!

I’m looking at your post with wide eyes because of the last couple of days I had them! Compared to bettas they are fiesty! I can see how they are in the same family however.
Than

Hi, I think it's fairly normal Gourami behaviour to be honest. My male Pearls were like this in my 63 until one day they just didn't anymore. I think it just takes time. Just be sure that the fish are all eating. Maybe consider it after a few weeks but this has never really solved the issue for me and in my experience just resets them having to establish a pecking order, which the already dominant fish usually ends up in the same position.
I would watch for an individual becoming isolated, that would be my only worry, if one starts hiding all the time and doesn't come for food, that's when you have a real issue.

Thank you for your help again! I’ll keep my eye out. It is less dominant female taking the most exclusion. But other female will eventually subside and go swim with her once the food is gone.