In this post, we will learn about the relationship between Angelfish and Blue Gourami. We will also discuss their biology, requirements, and if they can live together in the aquarium.
Angelfish and Blue Gourami
Angelfish and Blue Gourami are two amazing freshwater species that can be a great addition to a community tank. Although their natural habitats and requirements are similar, their introductions should be careful, as the Blue Gourami can get quite aggressive due to their territorial behaviour.
Blue Gourami
Blue Gouramis or Opaline Gouramis are also known as Three-spot Gourami with the scientific name Trechogaster trichopterus. They are whitish-blue freshwater fish that bring a lot of beauty to an aquarium. Their colour can change according to the fish mood or the breeding period.
These fish have a labyrinth organ, which supports breathing. They can grow up to 5 inches and can live for up to 5 years. They require low effort for maintenance.
Blue gouramis are usually peaceful. However, they can get quite aggressive toward other fish due to territory and breeding competition. Males are prone to be territorial, mainly in smaller tanks. After breeding, males can become somewhat aggressive towards females.
Besides these situations, blue gouramis are pretty relaxed. They usually explore the aquarium and may eat some algae.
Blue Gourami Habitat and Care
Blue gouramis have a wide natural distribution through several Southeast Asian regions. They occupy warm slow-moving water bodies with lots of vegetation.
Blue gouramis are hardy gourami species. They are not especially challenging fish to raise in a tank. Blue gouramis bear a wide variation of water temperatures. Temperatures are recommended to be between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels between 6.0 and 8.0, neutral pH is best for these fish.
The Blue Gourami juveniles require at least 20-gallon tanks. However, when adults, they require at least 35-gallon tanks. Although they have a labyrinth organ and can breathe atmospheric air, it is important to maintain the water well-oxygenated and filtered.
A darker substrate would highlight their bright colours due to contrast. Additionally, they prefer sandy substrates. They also enjoy plenty of plants. However, floating plants should be reduced.
Blue Gourami Feeding habits
Blue Gouramis are omnivores and usually appreciate most food items. They can be fed with algae-based flakes or pellets. However, you can also enhance their diet with good quality fish foods. They appreciate live, frozen, or freeze-dried items, such as Brine shrimp, tubifex worms, and bloodworms.
Blue Gourami Tank mates
Blue gouramis are territorial and can clash with some species. Avoid dwarf gouramis, bettas fish, goldfish, and angelfish. Some of the possible tank mates are:
– Tetras;
– Loaches;
– Mollies;
– Danios;
– Platies;
– Barbs;
– Corydoras.
Angelfish
Angelfish are classified as peaceful fish. Although, some people may classify them as semi-aggressive. This is because they can get aggressive when threatened, and during territory competition and reproductive periods.
Angelfish are native to the Amazon River Basin, in South America. They inhabit slow-moving water bodies with lots of vegetation. They usually grow up to 6 inches in length and their lifespan is around 12 years. They can harass and devour smaller fish they consider prey.
Angelfish Habitat and Care
Angelfish are freshwater fish species that inhabit tropical areas. They are distributed in slow-flow water bodies with lots of vegetation. For this reason, their water temperature requirements are between 73 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels should be between 6.5 and 7.8.
They appreciate well- vegetation tanks and fine sandy substrate. The recommended live native plant species are Anacharis and the Amazon Sword, and some other plant species are Java moss and Java fern.
Angelfish Feeding habits
Angelfish are omnivores, they will eat basically everything that fits their mouth. In nature, they commonly eat larvae, smaller fish, and some insects. In an aquarium, it is recommended a protein and fibre-rich diet. Therefore, live worms, shrimp and crustaceans are recommended. Pellets and flakes are also possible to offer supplemented with vegetables, such as spinach and zucchini. These fish require being fed twice a day.
Angelfish Tank mates
Although Angelfish are peaceful fish, they can become aggressive toward conspecifics, mainly during territory competition and breeding periods. Additionally, they can see smaller fish as prey and Also, they will not hesitate to eat smaller fish.
Some potential tank mates are larger tetras and rasboras, gouramis, some peaceful barbs, rainbowfish, corydoras and other medium-sized catfish.
Angelfish and Blue Gourami combination
Angelfish are not recommended tankmates to Blue Gourami. The Blue Gourami are highly territorial fish, and thus, may have some hard issues with Angelfish. Angelfish can also answer the Blue Gourami territorial behaviour with aggression. Thus, this combination could become problematic.
However, if there is plenty of space for both fish species to establish their territory and the individuals have softer personalities, they could have no issues and not bother each other.
Conclusion
In this post, we learnt about the relationship between Angelfish and Blue Gourami. We also discussed their biology, requirements, and if they can live together in the aquarium.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Angelfish and Blue Gourami
Can Blue Gouramis live with Angelfish?
In general, Blue Gouramis are territorial and can have some issues with other territorial fish such as Angelfish. And thus, if you decide to give them a try, it is recommended to introduce them very carefully in a tank with plenty of space.
What fish can live with Blue Gouramis?
The best options for Blue Gouramis tank mates are tetras, danios, Corydoras, platies, mollies and loaches. It is recommended to avoid territorial and aggressive fish species such as goldfish, angelfish, and betta fish.
Are Blue Gouramis aggressive?
Yes, they are classified as aggressive fish species. Their behaviour is quite similar to the Gold and Kissing Gouramis, and there is nothing to be done as an attempt to reduce this aggressive behaviour.
Are Blue Gouramis fin-nippers?
No, Blue Gouramis are not fin-nippers. Actually, fin-nippers should be avoided in Blue Gourami tanks as they could stress out and hurt the Blue Gouramis.
Are Blue Gouramis hardy?
Yes, Blue Gouramis are quite hardy and may tolerate some range of water parameters.
Can Guppies live with Blue Gouramis?
Yes, it is possible to mix different Gourami species and varieties in a community tank. However, the size of the tank should be enough for a small school of each of the species and varieties you place.
References
Jason. 2017. 15 Great Angelfish Tank Mates (Complete Compatibility Guide). https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/angelfish-tank-mates/
Sharpe, S. 2020. Blue Gourami Fish Species Profile. https://www.thesprucepets.com/blue-gourami-1381023
Sheppard, M. 2020. Blue Gourami 101: Care, Tank Mates, Lifespan, Size… https://www.aquariumsource.com/blue-gourami/
Mike. 2019. Blue Gourami. https://www.fishlore.com/profile-bluegourami.htm
Angelfish Care Guide. https://www.aqueon.com/resources/care-guides/angelfish
Robert. 2019. Angelfish Care & Species Guide. https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/freshwater-angelfish/
