Corona wrote: ↑Tue Mar 11, 2025 7:18 am
Keeping goldfish with a dwarf gourami means finding a temperature that works for both, since goldfish prefer cooler water. I've had experience with regular gouramis, and they don't get along with each other. My current three spot gourami is an exception, it's not aggressive and leaves my shy keyhole cichlids alone in a 40 gallon breeder. I think it really depends on the individual fish, since I've had normal gouramis that were super aggressive. If the gourami does get aggressive in that tank, I've got a 55 gallon semi-aggressive tank as a backup.
I'm glad someone gets it - it really does vary fish to fish. I appreciate your understanding of my situation. As for the temperature, I think we're aiming for around 76°F, but I need to double-check.
Regarding the common feeder goldfish, do you have any experience with them? I'm not super familiar, and I've only got the internet to go by. I did have a feeder goldfish when I was younger that got pretty big, and it would pick on any fish that got sick or were weaker. But that seems like pretty standard fish behavior, right?
I'm hoping the goldfish will just mind its own business, as long as the gourami does the same. Do you think that's a reasonable expectation?
Gouramis are generally calm and peaceful, but those long feelers might just be too tempting for the comets to resist. I think they'll likely give the gourami some grief at first, nipping at those feelers. If the gourami is feisty enough to stand up for itself, I reckon they'll be okay. But if it's not, then the gourami might struggle to cope.
Corona wrote: ↑Tue Mar 11, 2025 7:18 am
Keeping goldfish with a dwarf gourami means finding a temperature that works for both, since goldfish prefer cooler water. I've had experience with regular gouramis, and they don't get along with each other. My current three spot gourami is an exception, it's not aggressive and leaves my shy keyhole cichlids alone in a 40 gallon breeder. I think it really depends on the individual fish, since I've had normal gouramis that were super aggressive. If the gourami does get aggressive in that tank, I've got a 55 gallon semi-aggressive tank as a backup.
I've been thinking the same thing - letting the goldfish and Otos get settled first. Then I'll probably introduce the dwarf gourami in a few days or so.
Thanks to everyone for the input - I really appreciate all the helpful advice.
Just an update for those interested - I've finally introduced the dwarf gourami to the other two, and I'm thrilled to report that everything's going smoothly. No aggression whatsoever, and they all seem to be getting along just fine. It's actually quite fascinating to watch them interact - at times, it almost looks like they're swimming together in a little group, like they're trying to school or something.
