Tropical Fish: Gouramis

Red Dwarf Gourami

Colisa lalia Species

Originating from India, West Bengal, Assam, and Bangladesh, the Dwarf Gourami can be found in thickly vegetated waters. They are often found together with other Colisa species. In the river plains of northern India they are one of the most common fish, and are sold dried or as fish meal in many of the markets.

Dwarf Gouramis are well suited to smaller aquariums, as well as community aquariums due to their peaceful nature. They should not be kept with very large or aggressive fish. Provide plenty of vegetation, including floating plants that cover part of the surface of the water. The optimum pH is in the neutral range, and water hardness should be 4-10 dGH.. The ideal water temperature is 77 F (25 C). Dwarf Gouramis can be skittish when subjected to noise, and should be kept in a quiet location.

In nature gouramis eat small insects and larvae from the surface of the water, and graze on algae growth on plants. In captivity they will eat flake food, freeze-dried food, frozen foods, and vegetable tablets. To maintain good health, their diet should be supplemented with periodic feedings of live foods such as worms. Live foods should also be used to condition breeder pairs.

By Shirlie Sharpe

Compatibility: Livebearers, Tetras, Danios, Rasboras, Rainbowfish, Barbs, Loaches, Plecos, and scavenger Catfish.

Gourami Care:

They should not be kept with large, aggressive fish, but would enjoy the company of other small, peaceful fish as well as fellow gouramis. Loud noises often scare them, so the tank should be in a quiet area.

Traditionally silvery blue in color, their colors can change significantly with their moods, as well as during spawning, when they obtain a much deeper blue hue.

Because the male can be rather aggressive during spawning, the aquarium habitat should provide ample places for the female to take refuge. Failure to do so can result in injury to the female.

Gouramis Related Articles:

Breeding Dwarf Gouramis Lowering the water level to 6-8 inches and raising the water temperature to 28-30 C will trigger spawning. Vegetation is essential, as males build their bubble nest using plant material, which it binds together with bubbles.

Pearl Gourami Accustomed to heavy vegetation in their natural habitat, they will thrive if given similar conditions in the aquarium.

Kissing gouramis are a peaceful species that should be housed with fishes of similar size and temperament. Males will occasionally fight by "pressing" their mouths together — hence the common name.

Blue Gourami Blue Gouramis are one of the names given to the extremely popular Three Spot Gourami. Several subspecies exist, including the Cosby hybrid, Gold, and Silver varieties. Although traditionally silvery blue in color, their colors can change considerably with their moods, as well as during spawning, when they acquire a much deeper blue hue.

Breeding Blue Gouramis: Both sexes display a much deeper blue color during breeding periods. Because the male can be rather aggressive during spawning, the aquarium habitat should provide ample places for the female to take refuge. Failure to do so can result in injury to the female.