Gouramis problem

[Tiara]

You could get a large plastic storage container and put the male in that. Let him build a bubble nest and then breed them. After they have bred you put the female back in the tank and leave the male to look after the babies. He will care for them for about 1 month, after which time he chases males out of his territory so he can breed again.

If he doesn't get a chance to breed and look after the babies, he will probably be like this most of the time.

Sadly, my idea was to get some centerpiece fish, because I was little bored of the Rummynose and Barbs. I was thinking that this pair will live happily, swimming together, following each other etc., but this is far from the reality. It seems that my tank is too small for pairs and their breeding behaviour. Probably I will return the male and get another female Gourami or another bigger female fish. Anyways thanks for the advice!

 

[Tiara]

A little update on the situation.
We returned the male to the shop and the female got relaxed again. But on the other day she started chasing the other fish around the tank.....All got super scared and hid behind the plants. This continued like 3 days. We decided that this can't continue so we bought a 40 L (due to lack of more space) tank and put her there alone (for now). To be honest she doesn't seem very happy. I am considering to get few small fish to make her company, but I'm still choosing which kind. So the saga continues ...

 

[MuddyWaters]

A little update on the situation.
We returned the male to the shop and the female got relaxed again. But on the other day she started chasing the other fish around the tank.....All got super scared and hid behind the plants. This continued like 3 days. We decided that this can't continue so we bought a 40 L (due to lack of more space) tank and put her there alone (for now). To be honest she doesn't seem very happy. I am considering to get few small fish to make her company, but I'm still choosing which kind. So the saga continues ...

Fish are frustrating when they do not cooperate with my plans!

I bought a confirmed pair of Apistogramma recently at my club's auction (they bid up pretty high, but I was determined) and was excited at the thought of breeding them. Three days later one of them died.

I bought a spotted Raphael for my big tank and some kuhli loaches for my office tank. Neither come out to say hello. How ungrateful!

I knew going in that both were nocturnal, but just hoped they would come out sometimes. I see the raphael every couple of months and the loaches when I change water. I just try to make sure to enjoy the moments when I get them.