Which Labyrinth(Gourami/Betta) Fish?

[SchizotypalVamp]

So, I really want to get a labyrinth fish for my 10 gallon. I am suspicious of getting a Siamese fighting fish because of their fickle personalities, and I don't really have a backup in the case that things don't work out with the other fish. If worst came to worse I could get a backup and try it out, but I really want to try something different.

My PH is 7.6, so I can't really try the more delicate species. I was considering a betta imbellis or a sparkling gourami, but I'm afraid of the sparkling gourami beating my dario dario to death and I'm unsure if breeding has progressed to the point where they can deal with how hard my water is. I don't really want a DG because of hormone issues, and I would prefer a betta splendens over a honey gourami. Any ideas?

[Lupin]

Licorice gouramis (Parosphromenus deissneri) could work. They're not difficult to keep. The only issue is live foods so unless you have constant supply of live foods, they may not be for you at all. You'll be lucky if these eat commercial foods eagerly to compensate for live foods.

[stezatois]

i have no idea lol... but im not a fan of betta's.... shhhh dont tell amante lol.

[Inka4040]

Shore up your dario numbers and leave it at that... Did anyone ever tell you you have the perfect water for CPD?

[jm1212]

if you can find a local breeder that breeds dwarf gouramis, then they will be a great choice. DG's that are untampered with hormones and inbreeding are acctually quite hardy.

[Windy]

I agree with JM any DG that is untampered with is a good choice.

[bubbles42151]

:iagree:

[noodles62]

Licorice gouramis (Parosphromenus deissneri) could work. They're not difficult to keep. The only issue is live foods so unless you have constant supply of live foods, they may not be for you at all. You'll be lucky if these eat commercial foods eagerly to compensate for live foods.

:iagree: Don't the dario require/prefer live foods anyway? Sounds like a match made in heaven. Of course I also like the idea of letting the dario dario up their numbers and enjoy......

[Cory Keeper]

I'm always one to suggest a female betta :) I have 6 of the girls, and they can be just as stunning as males.

[dpenguinfish]

I'm always one to suggest a female betta :) I have 6 of the girls, and they can be just as stunning as males.
:iagree::iagree::iagree:

[SchizotypalVamp]

I did have another Dario, and I set up territories for the both of them. The little guy didn't look too good and by the end of the night before I could remove him the other had finished him off. I don't know how big the aquarium people were using when they put in reports of male Darios killing all the other ones in the aquarium, but I'd really rather not find out..... Sometimes the males take down the females, too, apparently, but I can find some excuse to turn my quarantine into a permanent tank if he harrases one (I have another tank that can serve as quarantine).

I feel exclusively frozen because they don't eat anything else anymore, lol. The dario has responded to frozen. I love female bettas, but I'm afraid I'll get one who hates all of my other fish. DGs are wonderful(I've been very tempted to get some before even with the hormone problems) but I think I'm going to go with a licorice gourami. Thanks, everyone!

[Cory Keeper]

Of the six I've got, they just ignore the other fish, It is possible you could get a female betta that is a psycho, but not as likely.