Staying At The Top Back Of The Tank?

[CubanCorona]

I'm new to dwarf gouramis... my pair seem to hang out exclusively at the very top, back of the tank. Is that normal?

I know that they tend to be middle/top dwellers because of their ability to breath oxygen from the air, but is it normal for them to stay there (and not move around very much)?

Water quality, pH, and other readings are all perfect. ~84F

 

[CubanCorona]

 

[Mrwoody]

It shouldnt be too much to worry about, mine were the same when I first got them....

They sometimes just sit at the very top of the tank and dont move at all...!!!

 

[sylvia]

Unless you're trying to breed them, lowering the temperature to about 79 deg F might help. You are right that they breathe air but they also use their gills to a smaller extent. High temperatures decrease the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Make sure the temp. reduction occurs over a couple of days. A sudden drop is the last thing you want right now.

BTW, what are those bubbles in the pic? Has your male been trying to build a nest?

Keeping these two as a pair may not be a good idea, BTW. Over time, the male will become increasingly more 'pushy' and the female may well get bullied. Stress can easily lead to disease and, subsequently death - particularly in somewhat fragile fish like dwarf gouramies.

It also doesn't look like you have many plants. Tall and, especialy, floating plants are important if you want your gouramies to be more out-going. They are quite shy fish by nature and making them feel secure by providing hiding places has the, perhaps counter-intuitive, effect of encouraging them to come out more and be more active.

These two fish look quite healthy but it does sound like they are new to your tank. If that's the case, they may simply need a little time to adjust (though all the above still applies). Are they eating?