New pearl gouramis extremely shy and nervous?

[cephei]

Hi guys,

Bought the final additions to my community tank (3 pearl gourami 2f 1m and a true pair of blue rams) The blue rams i thought would be the most sensitive to settling in but they have settled in so fast and are beautiful little fish but the hardier fish i thought were the gourami but since adding them they will not move from behind the filter, to an observer they may even look as though they are dying but I know they are not just extremely shy and not wanting to venture out into the tank..

I have no species that would threaten them the other fish in the tank are pearl danio, rummys, a few amano shrimp and the blue rams.. Is this common for new gourami does it take them a while to build up confidence? Im just worried that they are so shy they wont feed and the male looks a little thin already..

Thanks and happy new year

 

[msjinkzd]

How long have you had them? Its possible they are hiding back there because the flow is lower.

 

[severum mama]

Mine were extremely shy when I got them. I found that having a lot of plant cover helped them to get over it eventually. At first they hid in the plants nonstop, and like you, I worried if they were going to eat. After a while though, they started eating and ventured out. I'd say give them time, make sure they have plenty of hiding places, and try tempting them with some frozen brine or bloodworms.

 

[jm1212]

gouramis and cichlids are known for being slow to adjust. give them some more time to get used to your tank.

 

[cephei]

How long have you had them? Its possible they are hiding back there because the flow is lower.

I just got them yesterday... I turned off the powerhead yesterday because I thought that might be the problem but it hasnt made a differemce.. I guess it will just take some time for them to adapt..

 

[msjinkzd]

I would give them several days to adjust. Its not at all uncommmon for them to take several days or longer to adjust to a new tank.

 

[fishorama]

Floating plant might help them feel secure. Sounds like a beautiful tank.

 

[jpappy789]

:iagree:

Give them time and possibly turn off the lights completely. I've found gouramis to be sensitive to light right away.

 

[irishspy]

I've found gouramis to be sensitive to light right away.

:iagree:

Though I've experienced that more with Dwarf Gs than Pearls. Somce flaoting plants should help, and the suggestion to leave the light off for 24 hours is a good one.