Q&A for How to Care for a Dwarf Gourami

If you can buy them in pairs, that would be fantastic. When selecting a pair, opt for one male and one female if possible. Male dwarf gouramis are known for their striking colors and elaborate fins, while females are typically smaller and less colorful. You can also observe how they behave before purchasing to see signs of compatibility and aggression.

These fish are very easy to care for.

Never put any fish in a store betta cup. No matter how tiny fish are now, they will grow. Two dwarf gouramis will need at least a 20-gallon tank with decor, a heater, and a filter to live. Putting two of them in a cup is unacceptable, even if it's just for a few days.

No, they shouldn't, as tetras look nothing like bettas and won't inspire aggression in a gourami. What might be a problem, however, is the quick tetras nipping at the gourami.

That is not big enough. You need at least a ten gallon. Most of the pet store people lie to sell you fish. Good on you for checking.

The dwarf gourami will be bigger around the stomach. You may also start seeing little eggs inside the stomach.

You could try, but given the gourami can get a bit territorial and tetras are schooling fish, a single gourami and five or more tetras would be a much better idea.

Yes, as long as there are enough hiding places for both of them. They need these to mark their own territory.

Cory cats would be a better idea, but neon tetras would work.

No. Two dwarf gouramis will fight. If they do not fight, then they will both get very stressed and will be less immune to diseases.

First of all, 20 liters is too small. You need at least a 38 liter tank. In a 38 liter tank, the gourami and shrimp will be fine.

Two males for two females, that way the males wont fight over the females but to be even safer, keep it at one male with one female.

Two males isn't the best idea. Males can get rather territorial and attack one another. Get one male and one female or just one gourami. Other fish will be fine, such as corys, tetras and the like. Stay away from bettas, fancy guppies, and fish like that because gouramis will attack them. Get plants or other decorations so they can have place a hide as well.

It is best to keep two or three females with one male, as two will fight and one might get lonely without a female. Try not to keep them with larger fish or bettas.

Yes, a ten-gallon tank should be just fine.The rule is one inch of fish per gallon of water, so ten gallons for one gourami will be plenty.

Six.

It is beneficial, as gourami can have problems if the air outside of the aquarium is cold.

If they are the only fish in the tank, yes. But it would have to be one male and two females. Three males probably would injure one another. The rule is 1 inch of fish per gallon of water, so six gallons for three 2-inch dwarf gourami.

Yes.

No. As long as the other fauna in the tank are compatible, it should be alright.

No.

Males are typically larger and more vibrant in color. Females are silvery/more bland.

Yes.

No dwarf gouramis should be held in a 7-gallon tank permanently. A honey gourami would work better for your tank.

Yes. That seems like a nice setup. They all have low aggression, if any at all, and those are all nice, peaceful species. Good luck with your tank.

He will be fine if you move him.

Yes. Just make sure the tank is heavily planted with lots of hiding spots and they should be fine!

You could try it with a 15 gallon tank, but a 20 gallon would be better. Your fish will be happier and healthier with more space.

Yes, like all freshwater fish, they need a constant stream of water going into the tank.

No, most definitely not. Gouramis have a required temperature range of 76-80 F, while goldfish are strictly a cold water species, 60-72 F. Housed at the wrong temperature, fish will die of stress from a weakened immune system/disease.