My New Dwarf Gouramies...hiding?

hope

hope

AC Members
Aug 3, 2006
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Iowa
www.targrafix.com
We got 2 Dwarf Gouramies today from our LFS ... one blue & one red. However, ever since we've brought them home, one has been up by the filter at the top and the other has been on the bottom hiding in the log. We had one of these before and it was so active and fun to watch. They are both males if that makes a difference. Is it just because it's a new environment for them and they're still stressed? Thanks :)
 
it sure sounds like stress. Did you acclimate them properly? It takes me at least an hour, because I float the bag to get the temperature the same, and add a little tank water to the bag every few minutes to get them used to new water chemistry. Also, leaving tank lights off for a few hours after introduction helps reduce stress, too.

Yes, two males will fight. Or so I've heard, since I've never kept gouramis myself. I hope someone will help with this one.

But they won't fight yet while they're stressed like this. The aggression is a problem that will show up later, after they get used to their new surroundings.
 
An update...I have fed the fish for the night and now they area swimming all over the place :) I figured they were just stressed, but I wasn't sure. We'll keep an eye on them as far as fighting goes and worse case scenerio, we can put one in our 29 gallon tank :) I just absolutely LOVE these fish !!!

Thanks for the reply!
 
oh good! They sound like they're doing better. I'm glad you have a backup plan in case the current situation with two boys doesn't work, too :) Yay, for you hope!
 
Thanks :) We also have 2 sons, so we're aware of having to separate boys once in awhile LOL! Here's a pic of the red one...the blue one is all over the place now so I can't get a good shot of him ...I know this one is blurry, but my camera isn't anything special...my hubby's is though, but I still want to know how you all get such absolutely beautiful pictures of your fish :confused:

redgourami.jpg
 
Its common for fish to be shy the first couple hours, I mean being transported in a bag and the extra wait, + the water temp change and water chemistry, they aren't gonna just come out and swim. Mine did the same as yours, until after the first day.
 
Yup this is normal. The dwarfs are very well known for being shy. I have 2 of them and when I first got them it took almost a full week for them to become active in the tank. Now they swim all over and seem pretty happy. I have heard of alot of people who have had this same question about these fish.

As for aggression, I don't think you should have to much of a problem. I have 2 males and they are in a 20g and have never fought with each other. I have had them in the tank for close to 4 months now with no problems. As long as they have there own area to call theres they will leave each other alone. It also helps by having hiding places in the tank, which sounds like you do.
 
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