gouramis- you experts

[mdp]

I want to get a dwarf gourami or two for my ten gallon, presently housing 10 neons. Is there any real difference between the red fire dwarf gouramis and the regular blue dwarfs? And, if I were to aquire two, is there a problem having two males or would it be better to have a male/female? I like the attractiveness of the gourami species. However, I want to ensure above all else that I have a peaceful environment. Any suggestions on pretty and peaceful fish to add would be appreciated. Thanks!
matt

 

[OrionGirl]

Dwarf gouramies are hit or miss. The 2 you mention are the same species, just different color morphs. Males can be belligerent, and territorial--not peaceful. Sometimes it will work in a 10, but other times, it's WWIII. I had 2 in a planted 40, and they sparred quite a bit. If you have lots of cover, it may work, but prepared to intervene.

I would not go with a m/f mix. In a 10, she may have problems getting away from him, and his amorous intentions may stress her too much. Also, females can be hard to find--I've only seen them a couple times.

 

[Tim Bo]

Just want to add my two cents. I would not advise putting dwarf gouramis in a 10 gallon. Experiences vary, though from what I've seen, there is not enough space during aggression - especially with 10 neons in there.

 

[TKOS]

I have 2 gouramis in a 20 gallon planted. 1 chocolate who minds his own business and a Honey which is the jerk of the tank. Of course he picks mostly on the fly fox who can take it and dish it out as well. The gouramis never interact but then they are very different gouramis and not the same species.

 

[Leopardess]

I agree with OG on it being Hit or Miss. Dwarf gouramis have quite the little personality - you can get a nice one...or a very territorial one. Its not aggression that makes them bad to put together, they are just territorial.

I had three males in a 10g (now currently just two - one is in the 55) with no problems. The two still in there get along fine, granted I have LOTS of cover for them. That is not to say, however, that this will happen to you. In all likelihood, you'd probably get two that despise each other.

If you have your heart set on trying for two - first get extra plants for cover. Then go to the lfs and pick out the two most docile ones you think you can find. Introduce them into the tank on a day when you will be home all day to supervise (like over a weekend). Keep a close eye on the goings-on. If they fight, take one back to the store (have an arrangement with the lfs about this before you buy them)

I would only suggest one, though. It would make a wonderful centerpiece to the tank - plus you've already got 10 neons in the tank.