Hatchet fish or dwarf gourami?

[lmarshall]

I currently have a 10 gallon with 2 otocinculus and 5 neon tetras. I feel like the tank is a bit sparsely populated, and could use a center piece fish or two. However, I'm a little worried about violating the 1 inch of fish per gallon rule, but from what I've read it seems like there's a bit of fudge factor with that.

I'm thinking of either adding a pair of hatchet fish, or a dwarf gourami. How compatible would either of these be with the tetras? I like the idea of having all amazonian species, but the gourami's color is very attractive.

any other recommendations would be appreciated!

 

[vampie]

Hatchetfish needs to be in schools, so I'd go with the gourami.

 

[gmh]

Agree. A dwarf gourami would be a better choice for a 10 gallon. Or you could get a few more neons.

 

[lmarshall]

I read about hatchet fish and schooling, a few sources stated you need as many as five, others said three....

The neons are a schooling fish as well, but in my experience they do fine in pairs. I had a pair for about a month and half, the fish seemed to thrive and put on a lot of growth. I sort of figured with adequate cover (plants, driftwood) hatchet fish might work as a pair. Thoughts?

 

[Fish-Addict]

Hatchet fish are difficult to keep as they are jumpers etc. And to make them less jumpy and have more chance of surviving they NEED to be kept in groups of five or six, but more is better. Go with the DG

 

[rich311k]

I agree get the goaurami, save the hatchets for a larger tank.

 

[lmarshall]

haha, alright, I've looked into the DG, I think you guys right about the hatchet fish.

 

[Virtuoso2K12]

Add another neon tetras with the DG.

 

[deeleywoman]

the gourami are prettier ^_^

 

[jpappy789]

Honey or sparkling gouramis are options as well.