Gourami Rehome

[willowstwin]

hey guys...

I've posted this in gourami section, I just need help and fast... watching the big bully is getting upsetting now

I have a red dwarf gourami, and he's bullying my tetras to the point where they are sticking to the bottom of the tank and hiding all the time. Every time they come out, he chases them and headbutts them. One of them is even looking pale, and I think that's because Jagger (the gourami) wont let the tetras near the food.

I know I need to rehome him, but I was wondering:

a) would it be ok to keep him in a tank on his own?
and
b) whats the smallest size tank to keep him in?

Thanks
Willow

 

[soybean]

I'm keeping a single dwarf gourami in a 10 gallon, with lots of plants and moss, and a dozen cherry shrimp. He was turning into a bit of a bully in the main tank. I tried separating him temporarily for two weeks before adding him back, as this can make them forget their territorial stake over the tank, but it didn't work in this case, so he's having to live apart permanently now.

So you could have a trial separation and see how he responds to the fish after a couple of weeks. If not a success, a minimum of 10 gallons would be ok. If I had room I would have him in a slightly larger one, I'm really not a fan of smaller tanks for any fish myself, but needs must.

I notice you say lightly planted in your sig - dwarf gouramis really like planted tanks, especially floating plants and tall bushy ones. He may feel exposed and threatened - try upping the amount of plant cover and he may improve. Mine also loves his terracotta plantpot as a hangout.

 

[willowstwin]

I'm going to the lfs today, so I'll have a look at the plants there. The last tall plants I had he ripped to pieces. I might try some tall fake plants? I don't like this option, as I'd prefer the real thing, but if he's destroying every living plant I put in, then I may not have any choice.

I'll try some new plants, and see how we go in a week, then I'll try temporary separation.

Thanks for the advice I wanted a couple of guppies in there, but I think he'd go mad at them

 

[willowstwin]

What a difference!! Went out and bought some tall plants... made a little hidey area around the filter with a plant and an ornament (he usually hides near the filter), and 2 more plants near the back of the tank... He spent 2 hours playing in his area near the filter, swimming around the leaves and looking like hes having a whale of a time... I still have the 96 litre tank at work set up, so he can go in there if need be.. however, I went and bought some male guppies a couple of hours ago. They're now in the tank and he hasn't even acknowledged their presence

Thanks for the advice!! Fingers crossed he's happy now. Gonna go and get a couple more medium sized plants and plant them early this week. HAPPY WILLOW IS HAPPY!

 

[soybean]

Good to hear! Aggression often stems from feeling unsafe. The more plants the better.

 

[willowstwin]

I'm going to get one of those little stone bridge type ornaments too for him to hide in. Stick some xmas moss to the top and create a hidey hole

 

[soybean]

Good idea, though a cheap plant pot or a few bits of slate built to make a cave would work as well.