Dwarf Gourami: Small Fish, Smaller Bioload

Dwarf gouramis are small, brightly coloured tropical fish that are native to South Asia. They are beginner-friendly and relatively hardy, making them a popular choice for home aquariums. One of the key considerations when keeping fish is their bioload, which refers to the amount of waste they produce and the impact this has on the aquarium's filtration system. Dwarf gouramis have a relatively small bioload compared to other fish, such as platies. This means they can be kept in smaller tanks, with a minimum recommended size of 10 gallons for three dwarf gouramis. However, it's important to note that male dwarf gouramis can become aggressive towards each other and towards females, so providing ample space and hiding places in the tank is crucial.

Dwarf gourami are compatible with many docile fish

Dwarf gouramis are peaceful fish that are compatible with many docile species. They are timid and vulnerable to more aggressive or territorial fish, so it is important to choose tank mates with calm demeanours. Dwarf gouramis are also quite small, so they are best paired with similarly sized fish to avoid being seen as prey.

When selecting tank mates for dwarf gouramis, it is important to consider the water parameters they require. Dwarf gouramis thrive in water temperatures between 72°F and 82°F, with a pH level between 6 and 8, and water hardness ranging from 5 to 20 dGH. They prefer slow-moving water and heavily planted tanks with dense vegetation and hiding spots.

• Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi): These small, colourful fish originate from South America and are a mainstay in the aquarium industry. They are peaceful and thrive in heavily planted tanks with similar water conditions to dwarf gouramis.
• Cardinal Tetra: The slightly larger cousin of the neon tetra, cardinal tetras have blue and red stripes along their bodies. They are also schooling fish that do well in groups of five or more and prefer a heavily planted tank.
• Mollies (Poecilia sphenops): Mollies are active top-dwelling fish that can adapt to a wide range of water parameters. They prefer some open swimming areas along with planted areas. However, they can be aggressive when it comes to food, so separate feeding spots may be necessary.
• Chili Rasboras: These nano fish have slender bodies with rich red colouring and dark iridescent stripes. They are peaceful and prefer soft water, making them a good match for dwarf gouramis. They require pristine water conditions and a strict maintenance routine.
• Zebra Danios: Zebra danios are small, iridescent fish with blue and yellow stripes. They are active and playful but can be mildly aggressive if kept in smaller groups. They prefer a larger tank with open swimming areas and dense vegetation.
• Harlequin Rasboras: Larger cousins of the chili rasboras, these fish originate from Southeast Asia and have similar habitat requirements to dwarf gouramis. They are peaceful and do well in groups of five or more, preferring a mix of open swimming areas and planted hiding spots.
• Otocinclus Catfish: These tiny catfish are schooling fish that feed exclusively on algae in the wild. They are peaceful and require a group of at least five to be comfortable. However, they can be challenging to keep as they are often wild-caught and underfed.
• Corydoras Catfish: These small South American bottom feeders are widely popular in the aquarium trade for their peaceful nature and excellent tank cleaning abilities. They are gregarious and should be kept in groups of five or more. They require open substrate areas but will also dart among plants.
• Ghost Shrimp: Dwarf gouramis are also compatible with ghost shrimp, as seen in the example tank setup mentioned earlier.

In addition to these species, other peaceful fish that meet the water parameter requirements and provide ample hiding spots can be considered for a community tank with dwarf gouramis.

They are territorial and can become aggressive

Dwarf gouramis are generally peaceful, community fish that are beginner-friendly and relatively hardy. However, they can sometimes display territorial and aggressive behaviour, particularly the males of the species. Male dwarf gouramis can be mildly aggressive towards each other and sometimes bully females. They may also become belligerent towards other male dwarf gouramis, especially if they are kept in a small aquarium. In such cases, it is recommended to keep a group of these fish in a large tank, providing them with ample space to retreat when they need alone time.

Dwarf gouramis can become aggressive towards other fish species as well. For instance, they may harass female German Blue Rams or chase and nip at mollies. They can also be aggressive towards guppies, with their bright colours triggering aggression in dwarf gouramis. Additionally, they may not be compatible with some barb and tetra species, as these fish are known to nip at dwarf gouramis.

To mitigate aggression in dwarf gouramis, it is advisable to provide them with a spacious tank that includes hiding places and thick vegetation. They should be kept with similar-natured, peaceful tank mates. If aggression persists, separating the aggressive dwarf gourami for a short period and rearranging the tank setup before reintroducing it can help reset its territorial behaviour.

They are omnivores, eating algae, small invertebrates and insects

Dwarf gouramis are omnivores, eating a variety of foods, including algae, small invertebrates, and insects. In the wild, they eat small insects and larvae from the surface of the water and graze on algal growth on rocks and plants.

In captivity, they can be fed a diet of:

• Tropical fish flakes
• Pellets
• Freeze-dried food
• Frozen foods
• Vegetable tablets
• Live food (e.g. worms)

It is important to note that while dwarf gouramis enjoy live food, it is not recommended due to the risk of parasites and bacteria. Instead, you can set up a home brine shrimp hatchery.

Dwarf gouramis can be fed two to three times a day, but it is important not to overfeed them. They should only be given what they will eat in a couple of minutes to avoid health problems and increased waste, which will affect the filtration system.

They are tropical fish that inhabit slow-moving waters

The dwarf gourami is a tropical freshwater fish native to South Asia, including Pakistan, India, West Bengal, Assam, and Bangladesh. They typically inhabit slow-moving waters in rivulets, streams, lakes, rice fields, and irrigation channels, where the water is thickly vegetated.

Dwarf gouramis are labyrinth fish, which means they possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air directly from the surface of the water. This adaptation is crucial for their survival in low-oxygen environments. In their natural habitat, dwarf gouramis are often found in waters clogged with vegetation, where they feed on small insects and larvae from the surface and graze on algal growth.

In captivity, dwarf gouramis are well-suited to smaller aquariums of at least 10 gallons, with dense vegetation and floating plants that provide shade and access to the water's surface. They are peaceful and shy fish that do well in community aquariums with other non-aggressive species. They are known to be territorial but will generally leave other fish alone if provided with ample vegetation to hide and retreat.

Dwarf gouramis are omnivores and will eat a variety of prepared fish food, including vegetable-based options. In the wild, they are ambush hunters, using a stream of water from their mouths to knock prey into the water. They have a small bioload compared to similar fish, such as platies.

Overall, dwarf gouramis are beautiful, colourful fish that are easy to care for and well-suited for tropical aquariums that mimic their natural habitat of slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters.

They are labyrinth fish, requiring gulps of air from the water's surface

Dwarf gourami are small, brightly coloured tropical fish native to South Asia. They are a beginner-friendly and relatively hardy species, but they do require specific care. Dwarf gourami are labyrinth fish, which means they need to take gulps of air from the water's surface to breathe. This is normal behaviour for gourami and should not be a cause for concern. In fact, it is necessary for their survival.

Dwarf gourami inhabit slow-moving waters, such as paddy fields and irrigation channels, where the water is clogged with thick vegetation. In captivity, they require a well-maintained, clean tank with efficient biological and mechanical filtration. The water should be free from pollutants such as ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, and the flow rate should be moderate to low. Dwarf gourami prefer warm water temperatures of between 72° and 82° F, with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0, and a water hardness of 5 to 18 dGH.

To recreate their natural habitat, it is recommended to use dark-coloured gravel as a substrate, along with driftwood, tangled roots, and rockwork for decoration and hiding places. Floating plants are also beneficial, as they provide shade and a place for the fish to build bubble nests. Regular maintenance, such as weekly water changes and cleaning of the filter media, is essential to maintain the health of dwarf gourami.

It is important to note that overfeeding can lead to health problems and increase the bioload on the filtration system. Therefore, it is recommended to feed dwarf gourami only what they will eat in a couple of minutes. Dwarf gourami are susceptible to common fish diseases such as Ich (White Spot Disease) and bacterial infections, so it is crucial to monitor their health and take appropriate action if any signs of illness appear.

Frequently asked questions