Keeping gouramis as pets can be very rewarding, but setting up the right tank environment is key to their health and happiness. An important consideration when housing gouramis is choosing suitable tank mates that will coexist peacefully. The right fish companions can help reduce aggression, add interest to the tank, and create a balanced aquatic community.
This comprehensive guide dives into the best and worst tank mates for various gourami species so you can make informed choices. Discover which fish to avoid pairing with gouramis due to aggression or incompatible care needs.
Learn the ideal species, numbers, and conditions for keeping gouramis with tetras, catfish, barbs, danios, and more. With the help of these gourami tank mate recommendations, you’ll be able to create a harmonious environment in your aquarium.
What Is the Ideal Environment for Gourami?
Gouramis love warm water. They feel at home in a spot like the blackwater areas of Southeast Asia. Slow-moving streams, ponds and even rice paddies are their favorite places. A good tank for them is close to a tropical forest setting.
The water should be soft. This makes the gouramis happy. Female gouramis like being with others of their kind. But you must keep male gouramis apart! If not, they will fight with each other.
Are Gourami Good Tank Mates?
Gouramis are a good match for many fish. They can live well with any fish that is not mean and big enough to not eat them. But, they may not get along with other Gouramis. This is because they can be mean to each other in the same tank.
So, it’s best to keep just one Gourami in your tank or have a big enough tank if you want more than one.
What Are the Best Tank Mates for Gourami?
Gouramis love to have friends around them. But not all fish can live with gouramis. Some good buddies are rasboras and blue tetras. Other pals for the gourami could be mollies or zebra danios.
Another mate that works well is Khuli loach. They like to clean up food from the tank bottom which helps keep it neat! Catfish like otocinclus catfish also live happily with dwarf gouramis.
Some others include chili rasboras, cardinal tetras, neon tetras, harlequin rasboras and otoclinus catfish. Each of these fish types get along very nicely with the calm and peaceful nature of most gourami types.
1. Rasboras
Rasboras make good tank mates for Gouramis. They are small and peaceful fish. These hardy freshwater fish love to be with others. So, they do well in a community tank with shy Gouramis.
Harlequin Rasboras are also excellent partners for Dwarf Gouramis. With their beauty and calm nature, Rasboras bring balance and color to the aquarium.
2. Tetras
Tetras, like Cardinal Tetras and Neon Tetras, are great tank mates for Gouramis. They are peaceful fish that get along well with most Gouramis. Cardinal Tetras are especially popular because they have vibrant colors and are slightly largerthan Neon Tetras.
Another good choice is Glowlight Tetras, which have small size and beautiful coloration. Small Rasboras and tiny Tetras can also be excellent companions for Gouramis in the aquarium.
These fish share similar care requirements and make a harmonious community with Gouramis.
3. Mollies
Mollies are peaceful fish that can coexist with gouramis in the same tank without any problems. They are adaptable and vibrant, making them a great addition to any community tank. Mollies won’t bully gouramis because these larger fish can hold their own.
With their peaceful nature, mollies create a harmonious environment alongside dwarf gouramis. So if you have a tank with gouramis and want some colorful companions, adding mollies is a fantastic choice.
4. Danio Rerio
Danio rerio, also known as Zebra Danio, is a calm and peaceful fish that can be suitable tank mates for Gouramis. Native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, these hardy fish are easy to care for and can thrive in the same tank conditions as Gouramis.
If you have Dwarf Gouramis, Zebra Danios can be a good choice as tank mates. They will add activity and color to your aquarium while coexisting peacefully with your Gouramis.
5. Catfish Corydoras
Catfish Corydoras are a great choice for Gourami fish tank mates. They are peaceful and get along well with other fishin the tank. These catfish have a friendly nature and won’t cause any trouble.
They make wonderful companions for Dwarf Gourami, creating a harmonious aquarium environment. Catfish Corydoras also add visual appeal to the tank with their unique appearance. Plus, they can live happily alongside various other fish species, making them highly compatible for community tanks.
6. Minor
Some minor fish species that can be good tank mates for gouramis include harlequin rasboras, cherry shrimp, snails, and pygmy corydoras. These smaller fish are peaceful and won’t bother the gouramis.
They also help to create a diverse and vibrant community in your aquarium. Just make sure to provide plenty of hiding places and enough space for all the fish to swim comfortably.
7. Neon
Neon tetras are often recommended as tank mates for gouramis. These small and colorful fish can coexist peacefully in a community tank with gouramis. Neon tetras add a vibrant pop of color to the aquarium, creating an aesthetically pleasing environment.
They are also known for their peaceful nature, making them compatible with gouramis who prefer a calm and relaxed atmosphere. So if you’re looking for some lively companions for your gourami, consider adding neon tetras to your tank.
8. Scalare
Scalare, also known as angelfish, can be good tank mates for gourami. These beautiful fish have elegant flowing fins and come in various colors and patterns. They are peaceful and generally get along well with other community fish.
However, it’s important to note that angelfish can sometimes become territorial or aggressive during breeding or when they feel threatened. So, keeping them with gourami requires monitoring their behavior closely.
Providing plenty of hiding spots and space in the tank can help reduce aggression between these two species.
9. German Blue Rams
German Blue Rams are peaceful and friendly fish that can be a great addition to a community tank. They have a docile nature, which makes them compatible with other non-cichlid fish species.
Some suitable tank mates for German Blue Rams include Silver Dollar fish, Bristlenose Plecos, Dwarf Gouramis, Rummy Nose Tetras, Honey Gouramis, and Corydoras. These fish can coexist peacefully with German Blue Rams without any issues.
German Blue Rams also have the ability to breed in captivity. They can be kept in pairs for breeding purposes in a well-maintained aquarium. Overall, German Blue Rams are beautiful and tranquil fish that bring color and charm to any community tank setting.
10. Glass Catfish
Glass catfish are a great choice for tank mates with gourami fish. They are peaceful and can coexist well with other fishas long as they aren’t small enough to fit in its mouth. Glass catfish have a diverse diet in their natural habitat, feeding on mosquitos, larvae, and zooplankton.
They share similar behavioral traits with dwarf gourami, making them compatible tank mates. However, it’s important to note that glass catfish should not be kept with aggressive or larger fish.
11. Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin Rasboras are excellent tank mates for Gouramis. They are peaceful and friendly fish that can coexist peacefully in the same tank. Harlequin Rasboras should be kept with other like-minded peaceful species to ensure a harmonious community.
These colorful fish are native to Singapore, Malaysia, Sumatra, and southern Thailand.
12. Pygmy Corydoras
Pygmy Corydoras are small and active fish that are commonly found in aquariums. They make excellent tank mates for Gouramis because they are peaceful in nature. It is best to keep them in groups of 5 or more, and the minimum tank size for Pygmy Corydoras is 10 gallons.
These little fish get along well with other species like Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, Rainbowfish, and Otocinclus catfish. So if you have a Gourami tank and want some friendly companions, consider adding these Pygmy Corydoras!
13. Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp are small and peaceful creatures that can make great tank mates for certain species of Gourami. They particularly get along well with Dwarf Gourami. These little invertebrates help to keep the water clean by eating leftover food, dead plants, worms, and algae.
Cherry shrimp are peaceful themselves and tend to do best when they have similarly-sized, slow-moving tank mates who won’t bother them. So if you’re thinking about adding cherry shrimp to your Gourami tank, it’s important to consider their compatibility with other fish in terms of size and temperament.
14. Snails
Snails can be great tank mates for gouramis. They are helpful because they eat algae and keep the tank clean. Snails also eat leftover fish food and other organic matter, providing an additional food source for gouramis.
They help control unwanted pests like snail eggs or detritus worms in the tank as well. Having snails in the aquarium creates a balanced ecosystem, reducing the need for excessive maintenance.
Plus, they come in different species and colors, making them visually interesting additions to your tank.
15. Guppies
Guppies are small, colorful fish that make great tank mates for gouramis. They can even breed with Endler’s, which are similar to guppies. Guppies are peaceful and can live happily with dwarf gouramis because they are small and non-aggressive.
In addition, honey gouramis are also compatible tank mates for guppies as they have similar temperaments and water requirements. So if you have a tank with gouramis, consider adding some vibrant guppies to create a beautiful and harmonious community of fish.
16. Platies
Platies are colorful and easy to take care of. They make great tank mates for dwarf gouramis. Other fish that can live with platies include mollies, neon tetras, guppies, rosy tetras, zebrafish, goby fish, and angelfish.
Platies get along well with cory catfish too. You can have both platies and dwarf gouramis in the same aquarium without any issues.
17. Swordtails
Swordtails are a popular choice to keep with gouramis in the same tank. They can even be cross-bred with platies, which is pretty cool! Mollies and gouramis also make good companions for swordtail fish.
If you’re interested in getting a swordtail, you might notice that Pineapple Swordtails have a unique elongated lower lobe on their tail. When it comes to compatibility, gouramis get along well with swordtails and other peaceful speciesof similar size.
So if you have both swordtails and dwarf gouramis, they can coexist happily together in the same tank without any problems.
18. Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli loaches are a great choice for tank mates with gourami. These little fish have an eel-like appearance and can add some interesting variety to your aquarium. They are known for their cleaning abilities, as they help keep the tank free of algae and other debris.
Kuhli loaches are not expensive to buy, making them affordable options for most fishkeepers. Just remember that they do require specific tank size and water parameters to thrive, so make sure you have the right setup before adding them to your gourami tank.
19. Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus catfish are often recommended as ideal tank mates for gourami fish. These small and peaceful catfish get along well with gouramis and are suitable for most aquarium setups.
Their primary role is to eat algae, helping to keep the tank clean by consuming excess algae growth. It’s best to keep multiple otocinclus catfish together in the same tank since they prefer being in groups.
With their ability to peacefully coexist and help with algae control, otocinclus catfish make a great addition to a gourami tank.
20. Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish are peaceful fish that prefer to stay near the bottom of the tank. They are a great choice as tank mates for Gouramis because they have similar temperaments. It is best to keep a group of six or more Corydoras Catfish together in order for them to feel comfortable and thrive.
They can also be paired with other peaceful species like tetras, rasboras, and hatchetfish. So if you’re looking for some bottom-dwelling companions for your Gouramis, consider adding some Corydoras Catfish to your aquarium!
21. Cherry Barb
Cherry barbs are a great choice as tank mates for gouramis. These small, freshwater fish can coexist peacefully with other gentle species in your aquarium. They have a mellow temperament and are not known for aggression.
One distinct feature of cherry barbs is their dotted appearance, which comes from their slightly faded scales. They can grow up to 2 inches in size, making them a suitable companion for gouramis in your community tank.
What Fish Should Not Be Kept With Gourami?
Gouramis should not be kept with fish that are overly aggressive or large enough to eat them. This includes betta fish, cichlids, barbs, tiger barbs, serpae tetras, red tail sharks, rainbow sharks, silver dollars, giant danios, black skirt tetras, Buenos Aires tetras, and angelfish.
These fish can cause stress and harm to gouramis due to their aggressive behavior or size differences. It is important to research and consider the behavior and compatibility of potential tank mates before introducing them to a gourami tank to ensure the well-being of your gourami.
1. Betta Fish
Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, should not be kept with gouramis in the same tank. This is because bettas and gouramis belong to the same family and can become aggressive towards each other, especially males.
Male bettas are known for their territorial nature and may attack other fish, including gouramis. It’s important to provide a separate tank for bettas or choose peaceful tank mates that won’t nip at their long fins.
2. Cichlids
Cichlids are a group of fish that come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. They can make good tank mates for gouramis if you choose the right ones. Rainbowfish and African cichlids are examples of cichlids that can live peacefully with gouramis.
Peacock cichlids can be paired with Cuckoo catfish and Pearl gouramis as tank mates. Swordtail fish and suckermouth catfish also get along well with Peacock cichlids. If you have Electric blue acara or moga cichlids, they are calm and make great companions too.
Kribensis cichlid can be paired with angelfish to add some color to your tank.
3. Barbs
Barbs, like tiger barbs, can be quite aggressive and may nip at the fins of other fish in the tank. This is not ideal for gouramis as it can cause them stress and harm. However, there are some barb species that are more peaceful and can make suitable tank mates for gouramis.
Cherry barbs, for example, are known to be peaceful and can coexist with gouramis without any issues. Rosy barbs are also calmer in nature and can be compatible with gouramis in a community tank setting.
It’s important to choose the right type of barb that will not pose a threat to your gourami’s well-being.
4. Tiger Barbs
Tiger barbs are not suitable tank mates for gouramis. These fish have a reputation for being aggressive, and when they are outnumbered in a tank, gouramis may become targets of their aggression.
It is best to avoid keeping tiger barbs and gouramis together in the same aquarium to prevent conflicts. Other fish that should not be kept with tiger barbs include bettas and angelfish.
5. Serpae Tetras
Serpae Tetras can be good tank mates for Gouramis. They both like similar water conditions and temperature ranges. It’s important to have a properly sized tank to accommodate both species.
Adding plenty of hiding spots and plants will create a natural environment for the Serpae Tetras to feel less stressed in the tank.
6. Red Tail Sharks
Red Tail Sharks are freshwater fish that have a shark-like appearance. They belong to the Cyprinidae family and can be quite feisty in nature. It’s important to note that Red Tail Sharks can be aggressive towards other fish, so they should not be kept with peaceful or smaller species.
These sharks require a tank with plenty of hiding places and swimming space, as well as a balanced diet consisting of high-quality pellets and occasional live or frozen foods. Red Tail Sharks can grow up to 6 inches in length and have an average lifespan of 6-8 years.
7. Rainbow Sharks
Rainbow sharks are a great choice when looking for tank mates for gouramis. These two species can peacefully coexist in the same aquarium without any issues. Rainbow sharks and gouramis are compatible, meaning they get along well together.
In fact, gouramis are among the recommended tank mates for rainbow sharks. So if you have a gourami and want to add some other fish to your tank, consider adding a rainbow shark as they will live harmoniously together.
8. Silver Dollars
Silver dollars are freshwater fish that prefer soft water with a hardness level between 4 and 8 dH. They tend to stay in the upper half of the tank, which makes them compatible with peaceful bottom-feeder fish.
Electric blue acaras and gouramis can make good tank mates for silver dollars. It’s important to note that silver dollars should be kept in a shoal or group, as they can experience significant stress if not given companionship.
9. Giant Danios
Giant Danios are great tank mates for Gouramis because they get along well with almost any fish. They can also live peacefully with Zebra Danios and Blue Danios, as long as there is enough space to prevent territorial behavior.
Giant Danios are known to be compatible with Zebra Loaches too, making them suitable companions for Gouramis and Zebra Danios. These social fish enjoy having plenty of tank mates, as long as they have similar peaceful personalities.
10. Black Skirt Tetras
Black Skirt Tetras are a great tank mate for Pearl Gouramis and small fish like guppies or tetras. They can be a bit aggressive with fish that have long fins, so it’s best to avoid pairing them with those types of fish.
However, when kept in a group, Black Skirt Tetras are generally peaceful. They are known for their hardiness and ability to handle the stresses of aquarium life. These tetras prefer a temperature range suitable for tropical fish.
11. Buenos Aires Tetras
Buenos Aires Tetras can be good tank mates for gouramis. They can also get along well with other fish like black widow or serpae tetras. Other compatible tank mates include barbs, danios, and cichlids.
However, it’s important to keep an eye on their behavior as Buenos Aires Tetras can sometimes be bullies to more vulnerable fish. Overall, though, they are generally peaceful and can live harmoniously with a variety of tank mates.
12. Angelfish
Angelfish are great tank mates for dwarf gouramis. They are social and peaceful fish, making them a good choice to coexist with the gouramis. Harlequin rasboras can also be kept with angelfish in the same tank.
Additionally, angelfish can even be kept with dwarf gouramis in a saltwater tank.
How to Introduce New Fish to a Gourami Tank?
Are you struggling to find suitable tank mates for your gourami? Well, look no further! We have compiled a helpful guide to help you choose the perfect companions for your gourami. Did you know that gouramis are peaceful fish and can coexist with various other species? With our expert tips and recommendations, you’ll be able to create a harmonious community tank for your gourami in no time. Dive into our blog post and discover the best tank mates for your beloved gourami!
Feeding Gourami: Dietary Requirements and Impact on Tank Mates
Gouramis have different dietary requirements depending on their species. Gold gouramis need a balanced diet of vegetables, live food, and flakes. Pearl gouramis eat bugs, eggs, algae, and plants.
Kissing gouramis should be fed spirulina flakes and algae rounds. Honey gouramis require protein-rich food because they naturally eat insects. Dwarf gouramis are flexible omnivores that eat both veggies and protein-rich foods.
Proper feeding is important not only for the health of your gourami but also for its tank mates. Overfeeding can cause water quality issues like excessive waste production, leading to diseases such as bacterial or fungal infections.
Additionally, certain aggressive fish may become even more territorial when there’s competition for food.
To avoid these problems, make sure you feed your gourami the appropriate amount according to its size and species. Also consider the needs of other fish in the tank while choosing suitable foods.
By providing a varied diet and monitoring portion sizes, you can help ensure your gourami remains healthy while maintaining a peaceful environment for all tank mates.
Gourami Behavior With Different Tank Mates: What to Expect?
When introducing gouramis to a tank with different fish, it’s important to understand their behavior. Gouramis can be territorial and may display aggression towards certain tank mates.
For example, male dwarf gouramis can become aggressive with other males of the same species, especially in smaller tanks. This aggression is typically displayed through fin nipping and chasing.
However, there are suitable tank mates for gouramis that can help create a harmonious community tank. Plecos or other gourami species are recommended as they have similar temperaments and habitat preferences.
Tetras are also compatible options for tank mates because they are peaceful schooling fish.
To ensure a successful introduction, it’s essential to provide hiding places and ample space for all the fish in the aquarium. Large, well-planted tanks can help reduce territorial behavior among gouramis by providing them with areas to establish territories without encroaching on others.
Overall, while some caution should be exercised when selecting tank mates for gouramis, creating a proper environment and choosing compatible species will greatly contribute to a peaceful coexistence in your aquarium.
FAQ
Can Gourami Live Alone?
Gouramis can live alone in a tank. They are solitary fish by nature and can thrive without any tank mates. However, if you want to keep other fish with your gourami, it is important to choose the right species that can coexist peacefully.
Some gourami species, like dwarf gouramis, can tolerate the presence of other fish in their tank as long as there is enough space and hiding places for everyone. It’s essential to provide a suitable environment for your gourami and ensure they have enough personal space to feel comfortable and secure.
How Many Gourami Can You Keep Together?
To ensure optimal social interaction, it is recommended to keep a minimum of four gouramis together in a tank. Gouramis thrive best when kept in groups, and four is the smallest appropriate group size.
By keeping multiple gouramis together, they can establish a hierarchy and exhibit their natural behaviors more effectively. However, it’s important to consider the tank size and species compatibility when determining how many gouramis to keep together.
For honey gouramis, a 10-gallon tank is suitable for one fish, but additional individuals can be added if desired. It’s also worth noting that only one male dwarf gourami should be kept in a tank to avoid potential conflicts.
What to Do if Your Gourami Is Aggressive?
If you notice that your Gourami is being aggressive in the tank, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure that the tank is properly set up with enough hiding places and territories for each fish.
This can help reduce aggression by giving them their own space. If aggression continues, try removing any fish that may be causing the problem or consider separating the aggressive Gourami from the others temporarily.
It’s also important to note that female Gouramis can become aggressive when protecting their eggs or fry, while male Gouramis can be more territorial during mating. Keeping one male with several females or having a female-only tank can sometimes help prevent aggression among Gouramis.
What Are Some Peaceful Fish That Can Be Kept With Gouramis
What Are Some Low-Maintenance Tank Mates for Gouramis
Here are some low-maintenance tank mates for gouramis:
- Otocinclus: These small catfish are peaceful and help keep the tank clean by eating algae.
- Glowlight Tetra: These colorful schooling fish are peaceful and can add a vibrant touch to your tank.
- Corydoras Catfish: These bottom-dwelling fish are easy to care for and can also help with cleaning up leftover food.
- Harlequin Rasboras: These small, peaceful fish are great companions for gouramis and thrive in similar water conditions.
- Pygmy Corydoras: Similar to the regular Corydoras, these tiny catfish are low-maintenance and make great tank mates.
- Zebra Loaches: These active bottom-dwellers have interesting behaviors and do well with gouramis in a spacious tank.
Are There Any Fish That Are Too Aggressive to Keep With Gouramis
Some fish can be too aggressive to keep with Gouramis. They may cause stress and potential harm to the Gouramis. Here are some fish that should not be kept with Gouramis:
- Betta Fish
- Cichlids
- Barbs
- Tiger Barbs
- Serpae Tetras
- Red Tail Sharks
- Rainbow Sharks
- Silver Dollars
- Giant Danios
- Black Skirt Tetras
- Buenos Aires Tetras
- Angelfish