Dwarf Gourami's Fighting?

HuricaneKatt

HuricaneKatt

AC Members
Feb 1, 2010
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Anchorage, AK
I was under the impression that dwarf gouramis could be kept together in pairs without a problem as they are community fish. However, I added a pair to my 14 gallon planted tank and one died. I returned it to the pet store and got a new one...the new one and the first one are fighting and bullying each other. I think that they are both males. is this normal? :( I thought that they were supposed to get along - or was I mistaken and that only applies to a m/f pair? Can I continue to keep the two males together?
 
The personality of individual fish can vary a lot. 14 gallons may be a bit small for 2 as well, so it may be mostly a territory issue. A lot of places recommend at least 20 gallons for a pair of dwarf gourami, and more is preferable.

Males will fight - and sometimes males and females will fight as well. I had a male in with 2 females, one of whom was very brightly coloured. He killed her and one of my otos that got too near his bubblenest. He seems fine with my drab female though, aside from the occasional chase. This was in my pretty heavily planted 33 gallon.

I don't recommend keeping the 2 males together, and I advise caution with females as well - at least being prepared to rehome the fish - as sometimes it just doesn't seem to work out.

Make sure there are lots of breaks in line of sight and hiding places if you can.
 
If they are both colorful then likely you have two males which as mentioned should NOT be kept together. Females are less common in stores because of their drab coloration but even if you do have a female the mix does not always work. I have heard that trios (or more females) are more successful.
 
Well a pair probably would be OK...But not 2 males. I could never find a female. I had to end up putting my 2 males in seperate tanks. Sometimes, you can find the females on line. I have seen them on aquabid occassionally. You could ask your LFS if they can order you one.
 
In my experience with gouramis they have to establish a pecking order and until then there will be a lot of bickering between the two of them. So give them a few days and as long as their not trying to kill each other they should be fine. Mine 3-spot gouramis took about four days before they were able to establish a pecking order and they all get along fine now. I don't have a lot of experience with dwarf gouramis. I had four that someone gave me and three died after a couple days. The one dwarf I have left I tried keeping in several tanks but she was terrified of everyone so I stuck her in with my large pink kisser and their best friends now. I do agree personalities can affect the outcome but give them a few days to work out their problems.
 
Well here is my shot in the pot; established pairs are no problem in a community environment until they start breeding. Then the male gets all terrritorial.

I like communty tanks so I keep male dwarf gouramis only (together) and they are no trouble at all....beautiful fish.

Probably does not help you directly but all of our opinions put together might help.....
 
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