gourami behavior

snifferoo

Registered Member
Jan 6, 2007
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I have a 110 gallon tall tank (48" L x 18" W x 36" T) For a week I have had an opaline gourami (that I think is male) three mollies and four flying fox. I have just added a guarapari, three dwarf gourami and another, larger opaline gourami (that I think is female) After letting them out into the tank they are all very happy and peacfull except the male opaline gourami. He has chased, bumped and bit the female from the moment she was released. A several hours later he seems a bit calmer but he still will chase and nip at her. Well that is the situation and now for the questions......Is this a territorial behavior caused by the new introduction that will lessen over time? Is it a normal male to female behavior? Do gourami only behave this way to their own type as he has no problem w/the dwarfs that I added? I do not want to add another female as they do get rather large. I would like to keep two. Do I need to return the male for a female or will they get along in time?
Thank you,
KG
 
opaline gourmais are extremely aggressive, especially the males. the new gouramis were very stressed and weak, and the opaline gouramis and the like have a knack for getting fish and chasing/biting them when they are stressed already (well they kill other fish no matter what IME). you should watch out for the dwarf gourami, as hes going to be next.
 
Wow I must say I am surprised to hear that. Everything I have read online so far say they are not agressive. Only maybe male to male to establish a "pecking order" or male to female after spawning otherwise a good community fish. I added 3 dwarf gourami along with the opaling and they all seem strong and healthy but I will continue to keep an eye on them all. Thank you for your reply.
 
Well just an update that the male gourami has calmed right down and is his normal happy self again this a.m. He is behaving just like he did befor we added the new fish an not bothering any of the fish. The femal will actually swim up to him every now and then! Happy to report all the new and old fish are getting along just fine and seem to be happy and healthy. Thanks KG
 
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