Mike’s Fish Tank – Dwarf Gouramis

Most dwarf gouramis live for about four years. However, with proper care, they can live longer. Dwarf gouramis are generally peaceful fish, although sometimes they can become aggressive. They do well in most community aquaria and they are good with most fish: platys, Mollys, catfish etc.They require a tank that is at least five gallons (ten gallons is much better). They are usually found swimming on the middle to top regions of the aquarium because gouramis are labyrinth fish – they can breathe oxygen from the air through their labyrinth organ if necessary. It is important, therefore that the surface of the water be exposed to fresh air. This is usually accomplished by using a hood that allows air ventilation. If efficient air pumps are used, this is not always needed, since the air pumps will refresh the air above the water.

A varied diet is very important to the dwarf gourami, which is an omnivore that prefers both algae-based foods and meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp, will provide these fish with proper nutrition.

Dwarf gouramis are so docile that they will allow themselves to be bullied to death rather than fight back. Male Siamese fighting fish may attack dwarf gouramis and should be avoided. The males of larger gouramis species may also bully dwarf gouramis. Despite their shy and docile nature, they are aggressive towards fellow dwarf gourami. Each fish tends to establish a territory, and hiding places are a must. Loud noises often scare them, so the tank should be in a quiet area. Regular water changes are necessary, as this gourami can be susceptible todisease.

Dwarf gouramis are tolerant of fairly high temperature. This can be used to eliminate fish diseases such as ich from the aquarium. Temperatures of 80F are easily tolerated. A darker substrate will help show off the gouramis’ colors.

I do not see female dwarf gouramis anymore. They are not very colorful and so the fish farms stock mainly the males. Powder blue, Turquoise, Red rainbow,and Rainbow are a few of the most common colors of the male dwarf gouramis. They are all stunning.

Pets A Plenty is located in the Blockbuster Video Plaza, Rte 281 Cortland, 753-9213. Open 7 days a week. We now have a website. www.petsaplety.biz. check it out. I post care sheets, coupons, new animal arrivals, contests and more. Any questions, email me at friskyy@hotmail.com

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