In this article, we will understand the relationship between Betta fish and Gourami. We will also learn more about their requirements and explain if they can be set up together in a community tank.
Is it possible to keep betta fish together with Gouramis?
No, betta fish cannot be housed in the same aquarium as gouramis. However, what if you maintain female bettas with pearl gouramis (Trichopodus leerii), one of the most peaceful gourami species? Still no. Even though these fish are related, they are not aquarium suitable tank mates.
Bettas and gouramis are both classified as members of the same scientific family. They are labyrinth fish with vibrant colors and assertive personalities, yet they exhibit extremely aggressive and territorial habits. While some aquatic educational websites describe gouramis as tranquil communal fish, other hobbyists have compared them to betta fish!
Nonetheless, gourami antagonism is known to vary between species, with dwarf versions (Trichogaster lalius) being the most hostile. Simultaneously, blue gouramis (Trichopodus trichopterus), also known as three-spot or opaline gouramis, grow to enormous sizes and have been known to hunt and bite bettas, occasionally killing them.
This is mostly owing to both species’ innate heightened hostility. Gouramis, which are normally considerably bigger and quicker than bettas, can rapidly nibble at fins until the other fish flees. Similar body form and color can also induce these fish to become hostile toward one another, however, these behaviors are typically triggered initially by territorial conflicts.
Do female betta fish coexist with gouramis?
Female bettas are widely regarded to be significantly less aggressive than their male counterparts. This is just not true, as some females are really more aggressive than some males. However, as previously said, the issue is not with the betta, but with the gourami.
Even if you have a highly dominant female, the gourami is extremely likely to outcompete and even kill her. It is very uncommon for single gourami to entirely eliminate a harem of female bettas, even in a tank larger than 50 gallons (189.0 L) with plenty of room and foliage.
In general, it is not suggested to maintain any species of gourami with male or female bettas, despite the fact that some owners have reported long-term success with this pairing.
Do betta-gourami hybrids exist ?
Hybrids are created when genetically related organisms mate, resulting in a sterile progeny.
Typically, this occurs between species within a genus, however, occasional hybridization has happened between genera as well; while hybridization may be monitored and regulated, it frequently occurs spontaneously in the wild and can result in the formation of new species if offspring are viable.
As previously stated, bettas and gouramis are both members of the Anabantidae family.
Additionally, these fish may have similar appearances, raising suspicions of probable hybridization. However, betta fish are classified as members of the Betta genus, but the majority of aquarium gourami species are classified as members of the Trichogaster genus.
So, They do not recognize each other as members of the same species to have offspring.
Tankmates
Top 5 tankmates for betta fish:
Fortunately, there is a variety of fish that will mingle with your betta in a non-aggressive and safe environment. Numerous vibrant, gregarious fish coexist peacefully with bettas.
The following are the top five tankmates for Betta fish:
- Snail of mystery
- Guppies
- African dwarf frog
- Cory catfish
- Dwarf crayfish
Top 5 tankmates of Gourami
Gouramis are generally easygoing fish. Female Gourami may coexist peacefully with male Gourami since they do not become hostile. Male Gourami, on the other hand, might become territorial during the breeding season.
Here are some suitable tank companions:
- Upside Down catfish
- Pleco
- Rosy and Pearl Danio
- Harlequin rasbora
- Tiger barb
What if they share a tank?
These are the following aspects if betta fish and gourami are kept in the same tank:
Maintain a replacement tank on hand
Regardless of how much you attempt to decrease aggression in the tank with all the tricks you possess, the fish may still get into a brawl. As a result, you must be prepared to handle the situation in the event of an accident. Take the aggressive fish out of the main tank and attempt to isolate it in this tank. This will assist you in avoiding serious accidents.
Purchase a divider and split your aquarium with it. Thus, the Betta and the Dwarf Gourami will not interact, and you may enjoy both in the same setup.
Consider the relative sizes of the two fishes:
Ascertain that the Betta fish and dwarf Gourami you are intending to keep are of comparable size and age. This is because both species of fish are opportunistic feeders, consuming anything that fits in their mouths, even smaller fish.
However, you may purchase two juvenile fish of each species and add them to your tank, allowing them to develop alongside your planted aquarium. In this manner, they may view one another as tank mates and refrain from displaying aggressiveness toward one another.
However, this is only a theory.
Can bettas or dwarf gouramis be kept alone in a tank?
Bettas can be kept alone in a tank without a problem. Some owners believe they will be lonely living alone, but if provided with a large enough aquarium with several plants, they will be content; otherwise, they would become bored.
Dwarf gouramis must be kept with other freshwater fish or they will isolate themselves in their tank and get lonely, as well as anxious. They are considered gregarious fish and must swim in pairs. On the other hand, others claim that they will be alright even if they are alone.
Conclusion
In this article, we understood the relationship between Betta fish and Gourami. 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 a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Is it possible to keep betta fish together with Gouramis?
Is it possible for a Dwarf Gourami to breed with a Betta?
To be sure, both fish are members of the same family. Both are labyrinth fish that share a common natural environment. They are related yet are too far apart to breed.
However, there have been reports of female Bettas attempting but failing to breed with male Dwarf Gouramis.
Is it possible for a Flame Dwarf Gourami to coexist with a Betta?
The flaming Gourami, like any other Dwarf Gourami, is incompatible with Betta fish. Betta fish despise their relatives, who are gouramis. Both fish are labyrinth fish, which means they live at the same level of water. As a result, they will interact more, which will result in aggression.
Can dwarf gourami be mixed?
They do not prefer to live in colonies. Males dislike one another and will battle over territory and females. But yes, you can keep females together and there will be no accidents.
How long do gourami fish live?
Siamese fighting fish: 2 – 5 years.
How many Gouramis should be kept together?
They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least five. If they feel more confident in their group, they will shoal together and their colors will be brighter.
Are gouramis aggressive?
Male gouramis are known to be hostile toward one another, and as a result, they should normally be kept separately. Female gouramis often get along nicely with one another. Gouramis are sluggish moving and should be kept with fish of comparable size that are not fin nippers or very energetic.
References
Blue Gourami And Betta Fish: More Similar Than You Might Think
Can Betta Live With Dwarf Gourami?
What Species are the Best Betta Tank Mates?
