In this article, we will understand the relationship between Angelfish and Gouramis. We will also learn more about these species requirements, explain if they can be set up together in a community tank and if they are compatible with each other.
Community tanks are the favourite among aquarium hobbyists. However, it is important to consider the specific requirements and behaviours before setting them together in a community. Pairing species can be very tricky, as they can act differently when facing the other fish species.
Angelfish and Gouramis
Angelfish and Gouramis can be set up together in a community tank. Although, there are some characteristics we must learn about before setting them up.
Fish Temperament
Angelfish temperament
Differently from typical Cichlids, Angelfish tend to be more peaceful. However, they can get a bit aggressive under specific conditions, such as breeding periods or if threatened.
Some people consider them aggressive because they will chase and devour smaller fish. Although, this does not make them aggressive, as it is their opportunistic behaviour of omnivores. Thus, tankmates should have similar body sizes and be peaceful, such as Corydoras, Rainbowfish, larger Tetras and Rasboras, and some peaceful Gouramis.
Although Angelfish are not schooling fish, they prefer having some conspecific company in the tank. However, they need to have enough space to establish their territory.
Angelfish behaviour can also get at some level of aggression during breeding periods. As they protect their eggs and the hatchlings for up to two months.
Gouramis temperament
Gouramis are a group of several species, more than 100 different varieties. This means that the temperament of these different species can get quite diverse. The Dwarf Gourami is one of the most peaceful Gouramis. Blue and Gold Gouramis are considered semi-aggressive. Male Gouramis are known to be more aggressive, mainly towards other males. For this reason, having only one male Gourami per tank is recommended. Similarly to the Angelfish, Gouramis are not schooling fish. However, they prefer to have small groups of 4-6 individuals to feel safer.
Habitats and Tank Requirements
Angelfish habitat and requirements
Angelfish are freshwater fish species original from tropical areas in the Amazon River basin. They inhabit shallow slow-moving water bodies with lots of vegetation.
In the tank, the water temperature can be between 73 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and pH between 6.5 and 7.8. These fish require low flow filtration and aeration systems.
To resemble their natural habitat, plenty of vegetation and sandy substrate is recommended. It is also important to keep 8 to 12 hours of light per day to simulate the sunlight.
Tank vegetation can be native species as Anacharis and the Amazon Sword, or some other species, as Java moss or Java fern.
Gouramis habitat and requirements
In the wild, Gourami fish can be found in Asian shallow slow-moving water bodies. However, they have been introduced in some other world swamp areas.
Similarly to the Angelfish, Gouramis require water temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and pH between 6.8 and 7.8. They also prefer low flow environments, thus, it is important to keep ideal aerations and filtration systems.
To resemble their natural habitat, it is important to keep plenty of free-floating vegetation, such as Java fern and Vallisneria. Differently from the Angelfish, they are very generalist about the tank substrate, they will be good with sand and gravel.
Regarding the tank lighting, they require only 8 to 10 hours of lower levels of light per day.
Diet
Angelfish diet
As a typical omnivore, Angelfish prefer feeding on small live prey. However, they will eat almost anything offered in the tank. It is recommended to feed them twice a day.
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.
Gouramis diet
Most of the Gouramis are omnivores. However, some species are herbivores, like the Kissing Gourami. In general, these species will feed on plants and insects.
In a tank, these fish can be fed live and frozen food, as some shrimp and worms. Additionally, they can also be offered some peas and lettuce. Likewise the Angelfish, Gouramis need to be fed twice a day.
Can I keep Gouramis with Angelfish?
It depends on the Gourami fish variety. In general, these two species can be set up together in a community tank. Although, there are a few things that can assist you to achieve success with this combination. There are a few Gourami types that can be more aggressive and territorial, which would transform this combination into a disaster.
In general, Angelfish and Gouramis are a good tank match. However, they can become quite aggressive and protective during breeding periods. Dwarf Gouramis are the most recommended Gourami as Angelfish tank mates.
Choose young fish
When adults, Angelfish can become more strict about territory, which could lead to more aggressive behaviour. Thus, if you introduce different fish species while the Angelfish is still young would reduce the chances of territorial performances.
Additionally, during mating periods, Angelfish can also get somehow aggressive and protective, thus, introducing them before sexual maturity would be the best option.
Another reason for choosing young Angelfish is regarding their size. Angelfish can understand smaller fish as prey. Thus, introducing them to other species as small youngsters would reduce this understanding and avoid predation.
Tank size
The tank size is important to avoid territory competition. If enough space is provided, the fish will have no reason to fight for territory and there will be enough space to plant and set hiding spots.
Angelfish are larger and will require a minimum of 10-15 gallons per individual. The Gouramis do not require a lot of space depending on the species as well.
Plants and Décors
As already pointed in the Habitat and Requirements of each species, both of them enjoy having plants. They can help with maintaining the water parameters and also resembling the natural habitats of these fish.
Additionally, they can provide hiding spots and also a food source. Some other décor can also provide hiding spots and give the tank a more natural look, then the fish will feel instinctively safer.
Feeding hours
As most of the Gouramis species are omnivores, and thus the Angelfish, it is possible to offer them shared meals. However, trying to place food on opposite sides of the tank would avoid any competition for food items.
Thus, it is very important to plan their meals and provide enough nutrition sources for both species. They can be fed once or twice a day.
Avoid breeding
Angelfish can get quite aggressive during mating periods. This is because they are very protective of their eggs and hatchlings for at least 2 months. Thus, not breeding this species in community tanks would avoid aggressive behaviours.
How to make this combination work?
In order to keep these two species together, there are some conditions we should keep in mind.
- Water temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit;
- Slow current filtration systems;
- pH between 6.8 and 7.8;
- Soft water;
- 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 according to the number of fish you plan to keep.
Conclusion
In this article, we understood the relationship between Angelfish and Gouramis. We also discussed their requirements and explained if they can be set up together in a community tank.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Angelfish and Gouramis
What fish can be with Angelfish?
The best Angelfish tankmates are peaceful medium-bodied fish species, such as the Rainbowfish, Corydoras, Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius), Zebra Loach (Botia striata), Platies (Xiphophorus maculatus), and Mollies.
Why is my Angelfish attacking my Gourami?
Angelfish are known to be semi-aggressive fish. This means they can get somehow aggressive towards other fish according to the context. If feeling threatened or during breeding periods, it is normal they behave aggressively. In this case, if the attacks do not decrease with tank structures alterations, consider moving the Angelfish to a single species tank.
Can Opaline Gourami live with Angelfish?
Yes, the Opaline Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) requirements are similar to the Angelfish. However, it is necessary to introduce them very carefully while young, as the Opaline Gourami males can become a bit territorial.
Can Angelfish go with Gouramis?
Most of the Gourami species make great tankmates to Angelfish. However, some Gourami fish species can be more territorial than others. Thus, consider the more peaceful Gouramis to your community tank to avoid any stressful situation.
Why do Kissing Gouramis chase other fish?
Kissing Gouramis are very territorial, for this reason, they can chase “invaders” to take them away from their territory.
Are Gouramis fin-nippers?
In general, Gouramis are not fin-nippers. However, the aggressive Gourami species males can nip other fish fins during fights.
References
Can Angelfish And Gourami’s Live Together. https://www.bettacarefishguide.com/can-angelfish-and-gouramis-live-together/
Jason. 2017. 15 Great Angelfish Tank Mates (Complete Compatibility Guide). https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/angelfish-tank-mates/
Fabian. 2021. Angelfish and Gourami – Can They Live Together? https://www.aquariumnexus.com/angelfish-gourami/
Can Angelfish Live With Gouramis? (6 Tips For Coexistence). https://petfishonline.com/can-angelfish-live-with-gouramis/
