What Fish Go With Dwarf Gourami?

Dwarf gouramis (Trichogaster lalius) are well-known pet fish that are native to South Asia. In their home ranges, these wee omnivores tend inhabit paddy fields, farming sites, lakes, swamps, streams, canals and ditches, all full of warm H20 and ample plants. In India, dwarf gouramis are referred to as "khalisha."

  1. About Dwarf Gouramis

    • Dwarf gouramis grow to roughly 2 inches in length. In nature, male dwarf gouramis are greenish-blue and orange color, while the females are light grayish-blue and yellow. They can manage just fine in smallish tank environments -- think those that can handle between 20 and 30 gallons of water. Out in the wild, dwarf gouramis follow an omnivorous menu, and as pets, aren't at all picky either. Some fleshy things that these fish routinely eat include brine shrimp, earthworms and bloodworms. Vegetables also are common staples for captive dwarf gouramis, such as peas, zucchini and spinach. They also readily dine on algae.

    Temperament

    • In terms of temperament, dwarf gouramis have a reputation for being meek, laid-back and harmonious creatures. They are not likely to cause trouble with other fish in community tanks, so they are usually successful in those settings.

    Good Matches for Dwarf Gouramis

    • Dwarf gouramis possess pleasantly mild dispositions and need to share living environments with fish of similar natures. It also is important for them to live only with fish that are around the same size. Some of the types of fish that generally exist serenely alongside dwarf gouramis are guppies, tetras, danios, platys and mollies. Tinier barbs, such as checker barbs (Puntius oligolepis), and rasboras also are usually strong matches with dwarf gouramis. Dwarf gouramis often flourish alongside their same species, in schools. Lastly, other types of gouramis can also be strong additions to their environments.

    Keep These Fish Away

    • Big fish that have truculent tendencies are a definite "no no" for dwarf gouramis, particularly those that frequently bite on fins. Not only is it crucial to avoid fish that display fierce behaviors, it also is crucial to stay away from ones whoare rowdy and exuberant, too. Cichlids and tiger barbs both aren't appropriate for life alongside these gentle creatures.