i have heard that they are compatible but am doubting it due to the gouramis long feelers. has anyone every kept these two together? replies would be greatly appreciated. (there will be only one dwarf gourami, the barbs and a loach)
I wouldn't mix them. The gourami will be targetted for nipping, as you guessed, and the super-active barbs will probably result in a very shy gourami--they tend to hide a lot when mixed with zippy fish like barbs and danios.