Putting a Female Dwarf Gourami with my 2 Male Dwarf Gouramis

Question

Gouramis   QUESTION: Hello! Have a few Gouramis. We have a Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami. I believe he is a male. He's also the more aggresive one. Just got another Dwarf Gourami a few days. I think he is also a male, just not sure. Can you please tell me if are 2 Gouramis are males. Also we have a Clown Loach do they a tank mate? We have a Plecostamus in the tank also. Attached you will find a pic of the 2 Gouramis. Thank you for your time. Have a great day.

ANSWER: Hi Shannon,

I believe the Dwarf Blue is a male.  I can't see the orange one behind him, however, but by its high coloration, even unseen, I'd guess male.  Still, I'd like to see a photo to be certain.

They will be great tank mates for the loach. :)  Loaches are very docile, but keep a very close watch on the two dwarf gouramis.  They don't usually fare very well in captivity.  Reasons unknown, but usually because of trauma they underwent in the pet trade, is my guess.

Shannon, if you want to do a followup, I am here to help and love answering questions, so feel free to ask.

Also, please don't forget to rate my expert advice.

Thankyou and they are absolutely beautiful.  What are their names?

Renee

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Dwarf Gourami   QUESTION: Good evening,
I haven't named them. The fish that is in this pic, that is behind the Dwarf Powdered Blue Gourami, is not a Gourami. This is a Female Platy. I tried to send you 2 different pics. I will send a pic of the orange/ striped one. This Dwarf Gourami is the one that I also think is a male. But as I said before just not too sure. Thanks again.

ANSWER: Hi,

I see two males.  Beautiful!

I sure miss my gouramis.  I used to raise the Pearls.

They are wonderful tank inhabitants, albeit a bit bossy to females of the same species sometimes.

Good luck and happy fish-keeping.
Renee

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QUESTION: Hello!
Sorry to bother you again. I have 1 last question. Since we've determined I have 2 Dwarf Male Gouramis. I've heard you have to buy Gouramis in even numbers. What is your opionion as far as me purchasing a female. Should I purchase 1 or 2 females? Thanks for all your help.

Answer
Hello again,

Well, my opinion regarding keeping female gourami with males is to be extra careful.  Provide at least a couple females per male, if you have the room and the reason is that males can be extremely hard on the females.

I would not just get one.  She will be a target.

You are very welcome. Write all you like.  :)

Renee