Expert: Christy - 10/12/2008

Question
Hi Christy. I have a 11 gallon tank, i just want to put 1 or 2 big fish in, i was thinking about gouramis. I heard that i could get in 2 dwarf gouramis, what ones would recomend?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Sam
I would suggest only one dwarf gourami.  The problem with gouramis, they tend to be territorial to each other.  The dwarf species is supposed to be more peaceful, but I've heard enough stories of the dwarf species fighting with each other to recommend only one to a tank-unless it's a very large tank where they'll have enough room.  Gouramis are similar to bettas, and paradise fish for that matter, so with any of those species of fish, you're best off with 1 to a tank, unless you go with the females which are usually less colorful.  Usually they're a bit more tolerant of each other.

With an 11 gallon tank, you're really a bit limited on the types/amounts of fish.  I would say you could go with a single dwarf gourami-any type should be fine, and maybe go with a molly or two-they grow to about 3 inches.  Stick with male mollies as well so you don't end up with a bunch of babies/fry with the females.  

I know you said just one or two "larger" fish, but a dwarf gourami would do well with a small school of smaller tetras-like neons or zebra danios as well, and they would do well in your tank size.

Or, a single dwarf gourami and an African dwarf frog or two(make sure it's not the African clawed frog)and a mystery snail or two.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Christy