Easy Aquarium Fish: Dwarf Gourami Tank
Dwarf Gourami are easy to care for, hardy aquarium fish for a freshwater fish tank. They are also remarkably pretty aquarium fish, and come in many beautiful color variations.
There are many different kinds of Gourami, but the Dwarf variety (Colisa lalia) are best suited to a small tank, and I think they are the most beautiful!
The Dwarf Gourami:
- can live in a community with other kinds of fish, and other gouramis (although male gouramis can be territorial)
- eat almost anything
- grow up to 2 inches
- will occupy the mid and top layer of the tank
- and live up to 4 years.
Choosing Your Gourami
Color Morphs
There are several different colors common in Dwarf Gouramis: powder blue, flame, and the standard variegated. When you choose a Gourami fish for your freshwater tank, consider the colors of the other fish in your tank, the background, and the hardscape. I chose an orange theme for my tank, and the blue in the gouramis complement and enhance the orange.
Male vs. Female
The male gourami grow slightly bigger than the females, and sport a more vibrant color. It is recommended to keep several females, or a single male with females. Multiple males may fight over territory. You can distinguish between male and female Gouramis by looking at the dorsal fin: male Gouramis have a more pointed dorsal fin than females.
*Most importantly, choose a healthy fish from the pet store!*
Gouramis Care
Dwarf Gouramis can live comfortably in a 10 gallon tank with a few other peaceful fish. They prefer:
- temperatures between 74-80 degrees Fahrenheit,
- a pH of 6.0-7.5,
- and a hardness of 4-10 dGH.
Gourami Fish Food
Gouramis are omnivores, which means they need a varied diet that includes live food and vegetables. Flakes are perfect for regular meals, but every few days they will need brine shrimp, bloodworms, crushed up peas, or spinach. Be careful never to overfeed your fish, because they will eat until they become sick and die. Gouramis also graze on algea.
Freshwater Fishtank Set Up
Substrate
Small to medium sized substrate is best for Dwarf Gouramis. Choose the color to compliment the color of your fish and the rest of the tank!
Hardscape
Hardscape refers to rock and driftwood, which provide structure for fish to swim in, under, through, and around. Gouramis do not generally hide behind or underneath any of the structures, but appreciate the scenery.
Plants
Gouramis are wonderful fish to have with live plants, because they do not root up the plants like cichlids. They prefer to have vegetation, especially floating plants.
Tank Mates
Gouramis are generally peaceful fish, and can live happily in a tropical community or a species tank. Since the Dwarf Gourami populate the mid to top layer of the tank, a catfish, rainbow, or red tailed shark, all of which live along the bottom of the tank, complement the the Gourami. An algea eater is also a must, and there are many beautiful Plecostomus to choose from.
I hope you enjoy your Gourami tank as much I enjoy mine! Find out more on the logistics of setting finding the tank and materials.
References
- Dwarf Gourami - Colisa lalia
A profile of the Dwarf Gourami (Colisa lalia), including habitat, care, feeding, and breeding.
