Sexing Dwarf Gourami: Male Or Female?

It is challenging to distinguish male and female dwarf gouramis from one another at birth due to their similar appearances. However, as they grow older, specific physical and behavioural differences make it easier to tell them apart.

Male dwarf gouramis are larger and more colourful

Male dwarf gouramis are typically larger and more colourful than their female counterparts. They are also slimmer in overall girth, with more minor scales along their backs. In contrast, female dwarf gouramis have a rounded belly and shorter, rounder dorsal fins.

Males tend to have larger heads and bodies, while females have smaller heads and body shapes. Male dwarf gouramis also have reddish flesh, which is not present in females.

The male dwarf gourami is usually brighter in colour due to the larger scales on its back and sides, giving it a more pronounced appearance. The male's dorsal fin is also longer and tapers to a point, whereas the female's dorsal fin is shorter and rounder.

The average dwarf gourami size ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 inches, but this can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, and living conditions.

Dwarf gouramis are tropical freshwater fish native to Southern Asia, including India, West Bengal, Assam, and Bangladesh. They are known for their vibrant colours and unique behaviour, making them a popular choice for fish enthusiasts.

In addition to their colourful appearance, dwarf gouramis are low-maintenance and hardy fish. They exhibit interesting behaviours, such as constructing bubble nests for breeding and hunting insects by spraying them with water.

Dwarf gouramis are shy and peaceful fish that prefer to stay together in schools. They are labyrinth fish, which means they have a lung-like organ that allows them to breathe oxygen directly from the air. As a result, they spend most of their time near the top or middle of the aquarium, where they can easily reach the surface to breathe.

Overall, the physical differences between male and female dwarf gouramis become more apparent as they mature, making it easier to distinguish between the sexes as they age.

Females have a rounded body shape

The body shape of male and female dwarf gouramis differs, with females having a rounder body shape than their male counterparts. Male dwarf gouramis have been described as having a torpedo-shaped body, while females have a more rounded belly. This difference is more evident when female dwarf gouramis are conditioned for breeding, as their bellies stick out due to the presence of eggs.

The dorsal fin is also a distinguishing feature. Male dwarf gouramis have a pointed dorsal fin, while females have a short, rounded dorsal fin. The dorsal fin is the most distinctive difference between the sexes, as the fins of young fish are not yet fully developed.

In addition to their rounder body shape, female dwarf gouramis tend to have longer barbels, which they use to skim food from the water's surface.

While the physical differences between male and female dwarf gouramis are subtle in young fish, they become more apparent as they reach adulthood. Therefore, it may be challenging to determine the gender of a dwarf gourami based on physical attributes alone when the fish is still a juvenile.

If you're having trouble determining the gender of a dwarf gourami, observing its behaviour in the water may provide some clues. Male dwarf gouramis tend to be more aggressive than females, especially when competing for territory or displaying their masculinity. They may protrude their scales and flare their barbels to show dominance, and they will often chase and battle each other in the water. Females, on the other hand, may shy away from aggressive male dwarf gouramis or hide during mating rituals.

Males have a pointed dorsal fin

Distinguishing male and female dwarf gouramis from one another can be quite tricky, especially for first-time aquarists. This is because there are very slight differences in their appearances. However, one tell-tale sign is that male dwarf gouramis have a pointed dorsal fin, whereas females have a short and rounded dorsal fin.

The dorsal fin is the most distinctive difference between male and female gouramis. The dorsal fin of the male is longer and comes to a point, while the female's dorsal fin is more rounded. This difference is not as noticeable in younger fish, as their fins are not yet fully developed and they have not reached their adult size. Therefore, it is easier to differentiate between male and female dwarf gouramis once they have reached adulthood.

In addition to the shape of their dorsal fins, male and female dwarf gouramis also differ in size and colour. Male dwarf gouramis are usually slightly larger, with a smaller belly, giving them a slimmer appearance than females. They also tend to have more colourful bodies, with vivid red, black, and blue hues, especially during the spawning period. On the other hand, female dwarf gouramis have duller colours, such as silver or grey, and their bellies are more prominent, especially when they are carrying eggs.

Behavioural differences also exist between the sexes. Male dwarf gouramis tend to be more aggressive, especially when competing for territory or displaying their masculinity. They may protrude their scales and flare their barbels to show dominance or chase and battle each other in the water. Females, on the other hand, may shy away from aggressive males or hide during mating rituals. They also tend to be more timid and less likely to display aggressive behaviour towards other fish.

Females have longer barbels

Distinguishing male from female dwarf gourami can be challenging, especially with young fish. However, one notable difference is that females generally have longer barbels. These barbels, or feelers, are sensory appendages that appear just below the pectoral fins. They can reach several inches in length and serve multiple purposes, including aiding the fish in finding food and navigating their environment.

The barbels of the dwarf gourami are similar to the whiskers of a cat or the antennae of an insect. They are covered in taste buds, which allow the fish to detect chemicals in the water, such as those released by potential food sources. This ability to taste their surroundings helps dwarf gouramis locate food and distinguish between edible and inedible items in murky or low-light conditions.

In addition to their sensory function, the barbels of female dwarf gouramis may also play a role in attracting mates. During mating rituals, females may use their longer barbels to skim the surface of the water, displaying their readiness to breed. This behaviour could be an indication to males that the female is mature and healthy, increasing her chances of finding a suitable partner.

It is important to note that while longer barbels are generally associated with female dwarf gouramis, there can be exceptions. Some male dwarf gouramis may also have longer barbels, although this is less common. Therefore, while barbels can be a helpful indicator, it is not the only factor to consider when determining the gender of a dwarf gourami. Other characteristics, such as body shape, colouration, and behaviour, should also be taken into account.

Males are more aggressive

Male dwarf gouramis are typically more aggressive than females and will compete for territory or display their masculinity in various ways. For example, males may protrude their scales and flare their barbels to show dominance. Male dwarf gouramis may also chase and battle each other in the water, and sometimes this aggression can escalate, with one gourami killing the other.

Males will also chase females around, especially during mating rituals, and this behaviour can be relentless and stressful for the female. It is not uncommon for a male to chase a female to the point that she dies of stress. Male dwarf gouramis can be so aggressive that they require a larger tank to reduce the risk of this behaviour. A tank of 10 gallons is the bare minimum, with 20 gallons being preferable.

To reduce aggression, it is recommended to have multiple females with one male, or to separate the male and female with a mesh breeding cage.

Frequently asked questions