Can I add some Pearls?

[XKrinXerZ]

Hi, I was wondering if it would be ok to add some Pearl Gouarmies in my tank with all the fish listed below. I was thinking about getting atleast four of them? Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated!

 

[sylvia]

They would make a lovely addition I'd say go for a single male with 3 females and stick to that (they get to 4" so you don't want to be over-stocking).

 

[XKrinXerZ]

so if i were to get 4 males they would fight?

 

[sylvia]

Well, not necessarily. With 4, aggression would be spread out pretty well but it would also mean you miss out on some of the realy interesting behaviour that you would see if you had both sexes. Also, just because they won't harm each other, doesn't mean they won't stress each other and that would just cause more problems. Also, if you ever decide you do want females (mainly for the contrast in character ), you'll need to add a minnimum of 4... However, if you are realy set on 4 males. Go ahead but make sure there are LOTS of hiding places, especialy tall and floating plants so that each individual can set up an absolute territory where he won't be challenged constantly. Also, be prepaired to remove a fish and replace it. Pearls (and other gouramies) have very individual characters. Sometimes certain fish just don't fit in. I should now say that I still think 1 male with 3 females is a better option. Don't forget that the males will show off more if there are females. A male with manyf emales is usualy brighter, less stressed, more out-going and over-all mroe healthy.