Dwarf Gouramis are a great choice for a first fish tank, but be aware that they have a reputation for being fin nippers. This means that they can sometimes nip the fins of other fish in the tank. While this behavior can usually be corrected with proper training, it’s important to be aware of potential issues before you add these fish to your tank.
Description of the Behavior
Dwarf Gouramis are schooling fish that can become territorial or aggressive when they reach sexual maturity. They will often nip at the fins of other fish to establish dominance, especially if there are plenty of tasty algae in your tank for them to eat.
This behavior occurs most frequently at feeding time when the other fish will come up to eat. Dwarf Gouramis are especially aggressive toward fish with long, flowing fins that can get in their mouth, such as guppies.
Training the Behavior
Dwarf Gouramis’ fin-nipping behavior can be corrected by training them not to do it. If you notice your Dwarf Gourami nipping at the fins of other fish, stop feeding them for a few days.
When you resume feeding, give them food that is further away from the other fish in the tank. This will teach them to get their food instead of nipping at others to get theirs.
You can also take measures to protect the other fish in the tank. Purchase bog-wood decorations that stick up out of the water, which will give them places to hide if they feel threatened by your Dwarf Gourami or another aggressive fish.
Other Factors That Can Cause Dwarf Gouramis to Nip
Dwarf Gouramis can become fin nippers if they get too stressed out. Dwarf Gouramis are very sensitive to the quality of water in their tank, so frequent water changes can prevent fin-nipping behavior caused by poor water conditions.
Dwarf Gouramis do not like to be crowded, so it might be necessary to get a larger tank if you notice your Dwarf Gourami nipping at the other fish or chasing them to establish dominance.
Dwarf Gouramis are also fin nippers when there aren’t enough algae for them to feed on, so make sure your tank contains plenty of plants and decorations that provide hiding places and lots of surface area for growing algae.
Dwarf Gourami Prefer a Peaceful Community
Dwarf Gouramis are compatible with other peaceful species, so the best tankmates for your fish will have similar personalities. Bettas and guppies can be too aggressive to live with Dwarf Gouramis if given the chance to nip at their fins, but other fish species with similar personalities can make great tankmates.
Mollies and swordtails are a good choice for tank mates because they have long fins that Dwarf Gouramis tend to leave alone. Many people also keep Dwarf Gouramis with bettas successfully.
Dwarf Gouramis Peaceful, But Will Fight If Necessary
While Dwarf Gouramis can be kept in a peaceful community tank with other fish species, they should not be kept with other Dwarf Gouramis or Bettas because they will fight.
This is not to say that all fights between these species destroy one member of the school; sometimes two fish will fight to establish dominance without any consequences.
Dwarf Gouramis can be kept in a peaceful community with other types of fish, but they cannot be kept with their kind or with bettas because they are territorial and aggressive. Dwarf Gouramis are schooling fish that prefer the company of others of their species, so keeping them with even one other Dwarf Gourami can lead to fighting.
Tetras are often kept in peaceful community tanks with bettas or Dwarf Gouramis because they have similar personalities and are not as aggressive as most fish species. However, some Tetra species will nip at the fins of bettas if kept in small numbers so keep an eye on how they get along.
Dwarf Gouramis are peaceful but can be aggressive toward other fish species if they feel threatened or their tank is overcrowded. If your Dwarf Gourami nips at the fins of other fish, it might indicate that there is not enough algae for it to eat.
Dwarf Gourami are Peaceful, but Still Fish
Even though Dwarf Gouramis have the capacity for fin-nipping behavior, they can be kept in a peaceful community tank with other fish that have long fins. However, most Tetra species will nip at the fins of Bettas if kept in small numbers, so keep an eye on how they get along.
Dwarf Gouramis are peaceful but can be aggressive toward other fish species if they feel threatened or their tank is overcrowded. If your Dwarf Gourami nips at the fins of other fish, it might indicate that there is not enough algae for it to eat.
How to Stop Dwarf Gouramis from Nipping Fish’s Fins
1. If you notice that your Dwarf Gourami is nipping at the fins of other fish in its tank, give it more places to hide if it feels threatened by another aggressive fish. Providing lots of plants and decorations will provide lots of places for your Dwarf Gourami and other fish to hide.
2. Add more algae to the tank if there isn’t enough growing on decorations or the sides of the tank for your Dwarf Gourami to eat. Algae is a great source of nutrients and helps reduce aggression in Dwarf Gouramis that are hungry.
3. Perform water changes and gravel cleanings weekly to keep the tank as clean as possible. Adding a chemical algae remover, such as API Leaf Zone will reduce the amount of algae available for your Dwarf Gourami to eat so it is less likely to nip at fish’s fins in order to get food.
4. Introduce other types of foods into your Dwarf Gouramis diet. Freeze-dried bloodworms are high in protein and can be fed once or twice a week to your Dwarf Gourami, while spirulina flakes contain lots of nutrients that will also reduce fin-nipping.
5. Perform regular water changes if the behavior continues even after trying all possible solutions to the problem. Performing regular water changes will ensure that the water your Dwarf Gourami is living in is as clean as possible and reduces aggression caused by a dirty tank.
Conclusion:
If you’re considering a Dwarf Gourami for your first fish tank, be aware that they have a reputation for being fin nippers. While this behavior can usually be corrected with proper training, it’s important to be aware of any potential issues before adding these fish to your aquarium.