Violent?

[DRD1812]

Generally is it ok to have different types of Gouramis in a tank since I have a Blue Opaline Gourami and he seems very content and friendly towards my other fish and I was wanting some dwarfs maybe and was just wondering if he'd be ok with them or would he get violent n probably kill them?

 

[modernhamlet]

How big is your tank? Is it planted?

 

[sylvia]

Unfortunately I'd say three-spots (opalines, blue, goldens etc) are the most aggressive of the more common smallish gouramies.

Dwarf gouramies are some of the most peaceful, rarely bothering any other fish and showing most aggression only towards each other.

I would say it isn't a good idea though your tank's size, other inhabitants and decor do play an important role.

If you do go for it, I'd suggest a larger gourami such as a pearl or some other three-spot (trichogaster trichopterus) variant or possibly a moonlight gourami. Alternatively, thick-lipped gouramies (colisa labiosa) and colisa fasciata are similar to dwarfs in appearance but are larger and less fragile.

Also, are you sure your gourami is a male? Males have more pointed dorsals. If it is, he'll be more territorial than a female and you should make sure you don't add another male. I'd also suggest you go for 2 new inhabitants rather than only one - to spread aggression. And also re-arange your tank's furniture before you introduce the new fish - maybe take the original one out until the new fish has settled down or temporarily float him in a bag while you acclimatise and release the new fish - so that the old one doesn't feel like it's territory is being violated and both have time to get used to each other without either being at a disadvantage.

Good luck!

 

[DRD1812]

24 by 18 by 12

I'm fairly sure that he's male, I knew about the way to tell but thank you, as the fins do look pointy but as I've never had any other gourami's before I only have what I've seen in the fish shop to go by and obviously I don't get to know them like I do my own but I'm fairly sure he's male.

I aren't entirely sure he's an opaline anyway since the book I have says he's a Cosby Gourami but on the tank I got him from I think it said Opaline I'll have a look next time I go in.

But don't you think it would be a good idea to introduce any dwarfs then?

 

[sylvia]

24 x 18 x 12 is how large in gallons? 20? more? less? sorry...

I think the cosby and opaline are the same color variant. The point is that they are the same species - both are three-spots - as are goldens and blues.

I doubt a dwarf would work. You could try but introduce them (get 2 if you want dwarfs - not just one - and prefferably go for two females...) like I described - re-arrange tank, remove original fish etc. Be prepaired for trouble and take the new fish out immediately if you see any fighting. Dwarfs are fragile as it is - stress from being moved and then being attacked by your gourami is bound to result in disease.

A larger gourami, like I said, would be much better and more likely to work out - but not another three-spot or they'll fight. Again, introducing 2 is better than introducing one on it's own as it'll spread out the aggression.

 

[DRD1812]

Erm gallons no idea there differnt to english gallons sorry. I wanted dwarfs because he's the biggest fish in my tank anyway and I didnt want another big one but I like them I might put them in my tank with my male betta cos I could probably have bout 6 or 7 fish in there but there's just him at the moment.

Thank you anyway.

 

[sylvia]

You can't put a gourami with a betta.

 

[DRD1812]

why not I had them together before and co-existed quite happily till my betta died from being nipped to death by some black widows I put in and was unable to save him in time.

 

[sylvia]

Different fish have different personalities... you were probably lucky that time. Most people only have fatalities when they try to mix bettas with gouramies and risking your fish's life isn't worth it.

 

[nigel]

i just added 3 dwarf gouramis to my tank for a bit of colour & they get on great with my 1 3 spot gourami male which used to be 3 but the other 2 died.I;ve had them about 2 weeks now & the male 3 spot does:nt bother them at all,but i:m not saying he:s going to start bothering them but upto now everythings fine they each keep to themselves if thats any help.

 

[DRD1812]

Right I got a pair of dwarf honeys and he chased them round all the time so I moved him into another tank then got 2 dwarf neons too but sadly they had some kind of infection when I got them and have both died but I took them back and got 2 Indian Giants which have settled in nice now but I had to take my opaline back since he was getting too big for the other tank i put him and too violent.

But in memory I've named one fo the Indians Opal after him.