Gourami Aggression: Why The Attitude?

There are many reasons why your gourami may be acting aggressively. Firstly, it may be due to the size of its tank; gouramis typically require a larger space and can act out if they feel restricted. Another potential cause could be maturity; male gouramis tend to display aggressive behaviour when they reach maturity and start thinking about breeding. Additionally, low water quality or high water temperature could be factors, as these conditions can increase aggression in fish. Introducing new fish or decorations might also trigger territorial behaviour in gouramis, leading to aggressive responses. Finally, some gouramis simply have more aggressive personalities, and their behaviour may not be influenced by external factors at all.

Overcrowding

To mitigate this issue, it is important to provide a proper-sized tank for your gouramis and ensure that the tank is not overstocked with fish. A general rule of thumb is to provide at least 10 gallons of water per gourami, but this may vary depending on the species and size of the gourami. For example, a 20-gallon tank may be more suitable for a dwarf gourami, while a larger tank is needed for a three-spot gourami.

In addition to tank size, providing ample hiding spots and decorations can help reduce aggression in overcrowded tanks. Hiding spots, such as caves, plants, and other decorations, give gouramis a sense of security and help them establish their territories. Floating plants are especially beneficial as they give gouramis a specific part of the tank to defend.

Regularly rearranging the decor in the tank can also help reduce aggression by resetting territories and providing a new level playing field for all the fish. This can be done by moving decorations, plants, and other tank features to different locations within the tank.

Overall, while gouramis can be peaceful fish, overcrowding can lead to territorial issues and increased competition, resulting in aggressive behaviour. To maintain a harmonious aquarium, it is crucial to provide a suitable environment with enough space and resources for all the inhabitants.

Maturity and breeding

Males of certain gourami species can become aggressive as they mature and are ready to breed. Male gouramis will defend a patch of surface water heavily and then build a bubble nest when a female is present. They do this by blowing small bubbles and gathering them into a nest on the water's surface. After spawning, the male gourami will catch the eggs in his mouth as they fall and bring each egg individually to the bubble nest. If the gourami is not a bubble-nesting species, the eggs will remain distributed randomly around the tank.

Gourami breeding behaviour can often be mistaken for fighting. This behaviour can include body slamming, fully erect fins, and circling. The male gourami will start dancing with the female and may start cupping her body with his, wiggling as he gets close to her. When the female is ready to release her eggs, the male fertilizes them.

To breed gouramis, start with a separate tank that can hold about 10 to 20 gallons of water. Cover the bottom of the tank with a thin layer of gravel and install a sponge filter in the corner to facilitate water movement and mechanical filtration. Add plenty of live plants so the female can hide from the male if she needs to. Before adding the gouramis to the breeding tank, condition both the male and female with rich foods for one to two weeks.

When introducing the male gourami to the breeding tank, the female will begin building her bubble nest if she is from a bubble-nesting species. Examples of bubble-nesting gouramis include pearl gouramis, platinum gouramis, opaline gouramis, moonlight gouramis, gold gouramis, and others.

Water quality

Firstly, it is important to maintain the correct water parameters for gouramis. Gouramis thrive in neutral or slightly acidic water, with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0, and a hardness of 4 to 15 dGH. The water temperature should be kept consistent between 72°F and 82°F to prevent stress and damage to their labyrinth organ, which they use to breathe air from the surface.

Regular water changes and good filtration are essential. It is recommended to change 10% of the water weekly or 25% every two weeks. A gentle filtration system should be used to avoid generating a strong flow, as gouramis are slow swimmers.

Gouramis are sensitive to water quality, so it is important to treat tap water with a water conditioner before refilling the tank. They are also susceptible to diseases common in freshwater fish, such as fin rot and ich, which can be caused by poor water quality and stress. Ich, for example, is caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and results in white spots on the fish's body.

In addition to water parameters and maintenance, providing a spacious tank with ample hiding spots and a stress-free environment can help reduce aggression. A spacious tank allows gouramis to establish their own territory and reduces competition for resources. Hiding spots, such as caves, foliage, floating plants, and driftwood, provide gouramis with a sense of security and places to retreat to when feeling threatened.

Overall, maintaining good water quality and appropriate tank conditions are crucial for the well-being of gouramis and can help reduce aggressive behaviour.

Tank size

For smaller gourami species, such as the dwarf gourami, a minimum tank size of 5 gallons is recommended. However, if you plan to keep multiple dwarf gouramis together, a larger tank is necessary. A 20-gallon tank is generally sufficient for a small group of dwarf gouramis, but if you intend to include other fish species, a larger tank is advisable to provide adequate space and reduce aggression.

For larger gourami species, such as the blue gourami, opaline gourami, and moonlight gourami, a 20-gallon tank is typically the minimum requirement. The pearl gourami, which is known for its hardiness and adaptability, also requires a minimum tank size of 20 gallons.

Some gourami species require even more spacious accommodations. For example, the kissing gourami, which can grow up to 12 inches in length, needs a tank of at least 40 gallons. The giant gourami, one of the largest gourami species, requires an enormous tank—a 200-gallon aquarium is the minimum recommended size for this fish.

It's important to note that these are the minimum requirements, and larger tanks are often beneficial for managing aggression and providing a comfortable environment for gouramis. Additionally, when adding new fish to the tank, it's crucial to increase the tank size accordingly to maintain adequate space for all occupants.

In general, providing a spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots, plants, and decorations can help reduce aggression by allowing gouramis to establish their territory and providing ample space for other fish to avoid conflict.

Illness

While gouramis are generally aggressive fish, illness can also be a factor in their aggression. In fact, gouramis are particularly prone to disease. If your gourami is sick, it may become more aggressive as a result of feeling unwell.

One possible illness that can affect gouramis is columnaris, which can cause them to become more aggressive towards other fish in the tank. Columnaris is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics, but it is important to identify and treat it quickly as it can be deadly.

Another potential issue is swim bladder disease, which can cause your gourami to have difficulty swimming and gasp for air at the surface. This may be due to a variety of factors, including constipation, infection, or injury. Treatment options include salt baths and addressing potential constipation through diet.

In addition to columnaris and swim bladder issues, gouramis can also be susceptible to other diseases and infections that may impact their behavior. It is important to monitor your gourami's health and consult with an expert if you notice any changes in their behavior or appearance.

If you suspect your gourami is sick, it is important to isolate it from other fish in the tank to prevent the spread of disease. Provide it with easy access to the surface so it can breathe more easily, and ensure proper aeration and water quality. Consult a veterinarian or fish expert for specific advice and treatment options.

Frequently asked questions