Dwarf Gouramies
Most are very suitable for many smaller community aquariums that house passive fish. The larger gouramies are not as passive and may create problems for the more passive inhabitants of many peaceful communities. Ask your Nature adviser for more information on any species you see in our tanks.
These smaller gouramies are part of the larger set of gouramies which are part of the species that are known as anabantids. Anabantids have a specialized breathing apparatus termed the labyrinth organ which has been adapted to allow gouramies and other anabantids to breathe air directly, rather than completely rely on the oxygen content of the water.
This organ is the result of these species finding their living conditions degraded periodically as they are faced with very low oxygen conditions during the dry season.
Since the water conditions in their natural habitat vary seasonally, most gouramies are quite able to adapt to most home aquarium water.
They generally prefer a slightly acid to neutral pH and will be fine in most tropical water temperatures between 74o F (24o C to 79o F (26o C). For best colour display of these beautiful fish, slightly soft water is also desirable.
The various dwarf gouramies are generally passive with other tank mates, although in a small tank it is best to only keep one male as they do become rather territorial when other males of their species are present.
Passive tank mates that can be housed with dwarf gouramies include dwarf cichlids, many of the tetras that are close in size; as well as livebearers.
They are not picky about their food, and will eat staple food flakes quite well. As with any fish, it is best to vary the diet to ensure that all the nutrients needed will be available for them as they grow and spawn. When bringing them into spawning condition, many common vegetable foods such as cooked peas and spinach are taken well and help to bring them into proper form for courtship and breeding.
Like other anabantids, dwarf gouramies spawn using a bubble nest which the males build and will try to defend. The female is courted under the nest and the released eggs are fertilized as they rise into the nest.
Since the eggs need the bubble nest to hatch, if you are planning to spawn a dwarf gourami, you should isolate them in their own breeding aquarium. Other fish, even passive community types, will enjoy a small morsel such as an egg or small fry if they are able to get close enough.
