In this post, we will learn about the relationship between Angelfish and Dwarf Gourami. We will also discuss their biology, requirements, and if they can live together in the aquarium.
Angelfish and Dwarf Gourami
Angelfish and Dwarf Gourami are two amazing freshwater species that can be a great addition to a community tank. In general, they will get along very well and make excellent tankmates. Their natural habitats are similar, and thus, they could be set up in a tank with proper conditions for both.
Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf Gourami are very timid and peaceful fish. They enjoy being with some conspecifics to swim around. Dwarf Gourami are classified as labyrinth fish, which means they use the labyrinth organ to breathe the air from the atmosphere. They build complex bubble nests during breeding periods.
The Dwarf Gourami are original from India, West Bengal, Assam, and Bangladesh. They are usually found in heavily vegetated water bodies and the company of other species in the genus Trichogaster.
The “dwarf” name came from the fact they are the smallest species of the Gourami group. Males tend to be bigger than females, they can grow up to 3.5 inches. In general, males can have a reddish-orange body with some stripes in turquoise-blue. Females are usually blueish-grey.
However, there are several colouration patterns of this species, like blue/powder blue, neon, rainbow, and red. Powder blues are mostly blue with a little red along the body. Neons show a brighter blue colouration. Rainbows have especially reddish-orange bodies with blue stripes (as described above), in addition to a green-gold metallic sheen. Reds are almost solid red in the body with solid blue fins.
In general, Dwarf Gourami is very calm and shy. This temperament makes them perfect tank mates for many other small to medium-sized peaceful fish. Some bright coloured fish may be mistaken for rivals, which could sometimes provoke some kind of aggression from the male Dwarf Gourami.
Most bottom-dwelling fish and small peaceful schooling fish can also make great tank mates to Dwarf Gourami. The most common Dwarf Gourami tank mates are Plecos, Mollies, Swordtails, Platies, Rasboras, Tetras, Loaches, and some catfish. Invertebrates can also be nice tank mates, like snails and shrimp. Try to avoid fast-moving and very active fish species, they could stress the Dwarf Gourami out.
Dwarf Gourami Habitat and Care
Dwarf Gourami tanks should have at least 10 gallons of water to house two or three individuals. Consider 5 more gallons for each additional individual. They can be added to single-species or community tanks. As peaceful fish, they appreciate calm and quiet tanks, with plenty of vegetation and enough surface area for them to breathe.
Dwarf Gourami are beginner-friendly. They require low maintenance effort and are quite resistant. It is recommended to keep a heavily-planted tank to avoid them getting somehow scared and stressed.
Temperatures should range between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels should be between 6 and 8. Keep in mind these fish are tropical, and consequently, thrive in warmer water. Accordingly, it is important to have a good heater to avoid water temperature variations.
High chlorine levels may also be harmful to these, fish. Thus, it is important to use a dechlorinator when changing the aquarium water.
Dwarf Gourami Feeding habits
In the wild, Dwarf Gourami usually feed on small insects and larvae. They can also feed on some algae growing over plants. In a tank, they can be fed almost any food type. From artificial foods (flakes) to plant-base and live prey. It is important to supplement and diversify feeding items.
Angelfish
Angelfish are classified as peaceful fish by many aquarium hobbyists. Although, some others may classify them as semi-aggressive. This is because, in general, they are very peaceful fish. However, they can get quite aggressive during specific contexts, as when threatened, during territory establishment and breeding periods.
Angelfish are originally from the Amazon River Basin, in South America. They can be found in slow-moving well-vegetated water bodies. They can grow up to 6 inches in length and live for up to 12 years.
They can chase and bully smaller fish they consider prey. As Cichlids, they are omnivores and tend to devour anything that fits their mouth. Thus, tankmates should not be that small. Some good tank mates are Corydoras, Rainbowfish, larger Tetras and Rasboras, and some peaceful Gouramis, as the Dwarf Gourami.
Angelfish habitat and care
Angelfish are freshwater fish species original from tropical areas. They are distributed in slow-flow water bodies with lots of vegetation. For this reason, their water temperatures in tanks should be controlled using a heater and thermostat and remain between 73 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. pH levels should be between 6.5 and 7.8.
They appreciate plenty of vegetation and sandy substrate. Tank live plants are suggested to be native species as Anacharis and the Amazon Sword, and some other plant species, as Java moss and Java fern.
Angelfish feeding habits
Angelfish are omnivores, they will eat almost anything that fits their mouth. In the wild, they usually feed on larvae, bugs, and smaller fish. In the tank, they require a high-protein, fibre-rich diet. Thus, offering them some live worms, fleas, and shrimp is recommended. It is also possible to offer some pellets and flakes, or natural vegetables, like spinach and zucchini. It is recommended to feed them twice a day.
Angelfish and Dwarf Gourami combination
Dwarf Gourami and Angelfish can make an awesome combination in a community tank. These Gourami are mostly recommended as Angelfish tank mates. As they are very peaceful and they will not bother each other in the tank.
The Angelfish may begin to chase the Dwarf Gourami. This could be an individual variation of the species general behaviour or a signal that something is wrong with the tank settings. If the Angelfish is exceptionally aggressive, they should be kept in a single-species tank and avoid any non-conspecific tank mates. That said, Dwarf Gourami and Angelfish generally get along perfectly.
Also, you should consider some factors that may assist you with this combination:
– Choose young Angelfish – younger Angelfish are easier to introduce to other fish, as they will not see smaller fish as prey and are more peaceful than adults;
– Plenty of space – provide plenty of space for the Angelfish to establish their territory and also for the vegetation, then there will be plenty of hiding and resting spots;
– Plenty live plants and decorations – both species are original from well-vegetated areas, thus, keeping live plants and décor will make them happier;
– Avoid breeding – Angelfish can get quite aggressive during breeding periods and when protecting their offspring.
How to make this combination work?
The Angelfish and Dwarf Gourami combination can work very well. However, it is important to keep some tank conditions to improve the chances of these fish and keep them healthy.
– Water temperatures ranging between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit;
– Slow current filtration systems;
– pH between 6.8 and 7.8;
– Lighting period of 8 to 10 hours per day;
– Soft sandy substrate or mud;
– Plenty vegetation for both – Little floating vegetation for the Gouramis, Vallisneria or Hornwort, and some Amazon Sword or Java Fern for the Angelfish;
– Enough food for both species, protein and fibre rich, live and frozen, and natural food sources;
– Enough space.
Conclusion
In this post, we learnt about the relationship between Angelfish and Dwarf 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 Dwarf Gourami
Can Dwarf Gouramis live with Angelfish?
Yes, Dwarf Gourami can make great tank mates for Angelfish. If your Angelfish is extremely territorial or aggressive, there could be some issues.
How many Angelfish should be kept together?
Although Angelfish are not schooling fish, it is important to keep a small group of these fish as they feel safer in the company of equals. Thus, for 4 adult Angelfish, it is important to have at least a 30-gallon tank available.
Can Dwarf Gouramis live with other fish?
Yes, several species make awesome tank mates to Dwarf Gourami. Some of them are swordtails, mollies, plecos, catfish, platies, danios, rasboras, and loaches.
Are Dwarf Gouramis aggressive?
No, Dwarf Gouramis are very peaceful and timid fish that can live with several other fish species and invertebrates.
Can you put Guppies with Dwarf Gouramis?
Yes, Guppies and Dwarf Gouramis get along well. As peaceful fish species, they tend not to bother each other at all. It is also possible to consider adding some other peaceful fish species with them.
Can I mix different Gourami species?
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/
Robert. 2019. Dwarf Gourami: Tropical Fish Species Profile. https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/dwarf-gourami/
Sharpe, S. 2020. Dwarf Gourami (Flame Gourami) Fish Species Profile. https://www.thesprucepets.com/dwarf-gourami-1378310
