Pearl Gouramis

[frannyscho]

I have recently added two Pearl Gouramis to our tank, but mine are really really badly shy, very skitty, and spend all their time hiding behind the filter.

I had taken advice on stocking from here, and I think nearly got the things suggested, and not altogether....so what are they afraid of?
I have only had them for a week, so will they get less shy or might they be afraid of one of the others? These are my fish

2 Pearl Gourami
2 upside down catfish
2 mollies (one balloon, one dalmation)
1 platy and her two remaining fry
5 weeny rainbow fish
6 glowlight tetra
4 loaches (giraffe coloured and fairly peaceful, although a bit mischievious) (have post in loach section coz I can't remember what they are)

Should I suspect the loaches (LFS sold me them together with gourami so presume ok) or just being in a new tank? I have been trying to read up on each fish.
47.5 gall tank (amm=0, nitrit=0.2, nitrate=10-15, ph=7.5 following a mini cycle after new fish)

 

[Weaver]

Ive had 2 pearl gouramis for the past few months and although they no longer dart for cover when I approach the tank they are still the shyest fish I have
I wouldnt think its anything to do with any of your other fish
My lfs owner said that when they see the other fish out swimming about and coming to no harm that will encourage them to be a bit more forward
This has proved to be the case although they still spend most of the time hiding in my plants
good luck

 

[frannyscho]

Bother - coz they're so pretty. I had got them as the central feature of my commumity tank. Not much use at the back and underneath things - I should be much too scared to take them back to the LFS coz of their dangly bits - I would be frightened of damaging them in the net.

Hope they improve...what food do yours prefer?

 

[Weaver]

I just feed mine the usual--flakes/bloodworm/brine shrimp
Dont be put off by what Ive said as they aer out and about each day but they are a shy fish for sure
The moonlight gourami s that I got for my other tank were up nibbling at my fingers at feeding time the day after I got them.Complete contrast
As for returning them to the fish shop I kept mine because they are lovely fish and my 2 have been totally peaceful
Rest assured your 2 will get less shy as they get settled

 

[modernhamlet]

I'd give them a little more time to adjust. Pearls are notoriously shy, but mine were quite the couple. The girl was far less skittish than her mate. They both improved over time.

What kinds of decoration do you have? Do you have any plants? Plants are key for Pearl happiness IMO...

 

[frannyscho]

They are getting better but still scarper when I come in the room. They do come out at feeding time though, and are really beautiful. I have got plants , a mixture of real and false. Mostly these fish hide behind the filter, not a nice home really!