ADF and Dwarf Gourami?

[Halekoch]

First post for me, but I've been reading for about 3 weeks straight. I can't thank you all enough for the good questions asked by other newbies and the great range of answers given by the pros.

My background: In early December I bought myself a 10 gallon aquarium thinking back to my childhood and how much I enjoyed the one my parents set up... and I made every mistake in the book, killing off some beautiful tetra in the process. I've done a fishless cycle since Dec 20th, aside from my ADF, Randal, who is indestructible. All my tests are up to snuff now and I'm beginning to look at fish again.

And if you got thru all that, here's the question: will a Dwarf Gourami go after my ADF? I can't find much info re: Gourami and ADFs, which leads me to believe they might not be the best match or I don't know where to look. Thanx in advance!

 

[FisheyLisa]

I have 4 new ADFs in a community tank with a betta among others, so I think you'd be ok. I know the tempraments of the fish to be similar. BUT since fish (bettas in particular in my mind) have different individual personalities, i'd try the gourami, observe, and have a back up plan if it didn't work. My guys are little and the fish poked at the ADFs the first day, but now they leave each other alone. My only problem is feeding cause the betta hogs out on the blood worms intended for the frogs. I use a kitchen baster to inject food to the frogs.

How big is Randal? My guy's body (excluding leg span) is about 1/2 -1 inch. How big do they get? My friend had a frog growing up and it got FAT. It lived in a fish bowl. It may be over fed.

Lisa

 

[Leopardess]

It should be okay but it depends on the attitude of the dwarf gourami. Some are really mean spirited and others are gentle sweethearts. Keep an eye on the situation at first and have a back up plan.

They will max out at about 1.5" of body length though not all get that big.

If the frog you saw, lisa, was visibly very fat, it may have been an african clawed frog. Those get really flabby and chubby.

Lisa - try using tweezers (there's a link to a vendor in my article. The foot long tweezers cost ~2.95 with somethign like 3$ shipping. Ive had great experiences with that company) and one at a time, feed the worms to the frogs. It has more control than the turkey baster. Feed the betta his worms first until he's no longer interested in the food and that should slow his desire to eat the frog's worms.

Also, halekoch, if you haven't, please read this:
http://aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37172/

 

[Halekoch]

Thank you both, Lisa and Leopardess. I'll check with my lfs to make sure I can bring the Gourami back if he's too aggressive.

Lisa, Randal is about 1" long.

Leopardess, I've read your ADF article a few times. It's great!