Gouramis (pearl i think) pecking each other

emmz

AC Members
Jun 9, 2006
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I have 2 Gouramis unsure what sex they are.
I think they are Pearl Gouramis, but not certain?
They have lived together for the past year and because theyve only just moved location (from my workplace to my house) Ive only now noticed that they actually don't appear to get on that well.
Sometimes they appear fine and then one appears to dominate the other by pushing it away or pushing it to the others side of the tank. Because they look identical (to me), I can never tell if they take turns in this, or if one is more dominant over the other. If they are male/female would they do this anyway??

Suggestion much appreciated! Thanks :)
 
If they are both male, they will display territorial aggression towards one another. What size is the tank? You may want to try creating areas for each one (I successfully did this with my dwarf gouramis); if they continue, they'll get stressed. Or one may badly injure or kill the other. If the change doesn't help you may need to separate them.
 
Hello again. How are the tanks coming. What are the sizes and what is in each? Did you plant up the tanks like suggested? Gouramis are territorial fish and will assert dominance over one another. The key is to give them enough space and hiding places to get away from one another. I remember you writing about this when you brought the tanks home. My Gourmais still fight woth eachother every once in a while but they also have room to get away from one another. So, please tell us how big the tanks are and what is in them. Also, how are they "aquascaped" (plants, etc.)? You could even post some pics if possible and maybe we can tell you what kind of gouramis they are.
 
Thanks both of you - picture below looks a bit dull - the wires are behind not in the tank by the way!

http://i6.tinypic.com/1z2kbvn.jpg

Lorazoo, yes youre right, I did post about this. Ive given them some different plantage, but im sure its not enough - I think i need lots more? The tank isnt that big.

The tank is (budrecki did give me a link to something that equates the tank size for you if you give the measurements, but ive lost it)...

I can do measurements...
Width:33inches
Height: 13inches
Depth:12inches

And that contains 5 x albino corys, 2 gouramis and an angel fish.
 
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Ok, in the pic I see one Angel fish and one Pearl Gourami, a male. Do not see the other Gourami though. I guess you never got rid of that other fish and kept the Angel in the tank with the Gouramis? Yeah, the tank needs more something. you have a nice Java Fern in there, but maybe you could get something else in there? The left side seems a bit bare. The tank is definately on the small side for those 3 but if you get some more plant/or hiding rocks in there they could be okay (as okay as they can be). Even if you have to get some fake plants..... Get stuff that goes to the top of the water. And the fish will pik at eachother at times, that is just their nature. As long as its not all of the time it is okay. I would really look into getting a bigger tank or finding a new home for the Angel or the Pearls. You will always have the aggression b/c they are all territorial fish and are in cramped quarters. Could you possibly keep your eyes out for a used 55 gallon? I will be getting rid of mine soon, wish i could give it to ya.
 
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