About Christy Expertise I can answer some questions regarding freshwater fish ranging from their care to diagnosing common diseases or problems with the fish. I can also answer questions regarding the care and maintenance of an aquarium. I haven't had much luck with live plants, so can't help in that area very much. Not real good with explaining salt water or brackish set ups too well either. Also regarding goldfish, I have some comets, and have a little experience with them but mostly just general info on them. I AM NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH ANY OF THE FANCY VARIETIES OF GOLDFISH. YOU MIGHT BE BETTER DIRECTING THOSE QUERIES TO AN EXPERT MORE FAMILIAR WITH THEM. If I can't answer or don't know something, I'll let you know, so don't be upset if I reject your question, I'll always explain why. I would just rather not answer then give an answer I'm not confident about.
Experience All personal, first hand, general fishkeeping experience. I've had fresh water aquariums now for about 7 years. I've had tropical/community fish tanks, African cichlids, South American cichlids, brackish water puffer fish, and a lot of other varieties in between.
Education/Credentials None, all personal experience
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.
