Dwarf gouramis are one of the most common fish in aquarium shops. They are so popular that they have earned the nickname, “the poor man’s betta.” Because dwarf gouramis are fairly hardy fish with long lives, many people purchase them without knowing much about them. One question often asked is whether dwarf gouramis are active fish.
In some respects, the question is difficult to answer. Dwarf gouramis are active fish that often swim around the aquarium as they explore their environment. In other words, they are active in a sense. However, the standard definition of activity has to do with movement by an animal from one place to another of its own volition.
Because dwarf gouramis are used to living in schools, they seem to be more active than isolated fish. This is because when alone, fish tend to rest more than when they are part of a group. Dwarf gouramis that are not kept with other gouramis may exhibit this resting behavior.
Another way to answer the question is to look at the fish’s daily behavior. Dwarf gouramis are fairly inactive during the day, particularly when they are kept near plants or other decorations where there are places to hide. At night, however, dwarf gouramis can be very active as they patrol their territory and search for food.
Thus, it seems that one can answer the question of whether dwarf gouramis are active fish by saying that, in some respects and during some times, they are active.