Are Dwarf Gouramis Schooling Fish? (Explained)

Are you looking for a new and exciting fish to add to your tank? Dwarf gouramis might be a perfect choice! These little fish are schooling fish, which means they love to live in groups. They are also very active, making them a fun addition to any aquarium. Keep reading to learn more about these fascinating creatures!

Are Dwarf Gouramis Safe?

Next to their bright colors, dwarf gouramis are best known for being very peaceful. They do not harm other fish in the tank, although they will eat live plants!

These tiny fish should be kept with other dwarf or small fish that will not nip at their fins. That said, they should not be kept with fish that are known fin-nippers, like tiger barbs.

Are Dwarf Gouramis Social?

Dwarf gouramis are one of the most social types of freshwater fish! They live in schools that typically consist of 10 or more individuals. However, adding only 2 dwarf gouramis to a 10-gallon aquarium is enough to create the feel of a school.

In larger tanks, you can have even more gouramis! Just keep in mind that they will need at least 20 gallons for every 3-4 fish. If a tank becomes overcrowded, it can lead to aggression and stress so only add as many as your tank can support.

What Do Dwarf Gouramis Eat?

Dwarf gouramis are omnivorous, which means they eat both plants and meat. They are particularly fond of small pellets or wafers for omnivore fish. You can also try feeding them zucchini slices, green algae wafers, bloodworms, and daphnia.

Dwarf gouramis are not picky eaters so they will happily munch on anything you put in the tank! Be creative and feed them a variety of different foods. Just make sure that the food you give them is small enough for their tiny mouths to swallow – that can be difficult with such small fish!

How Do You Care For Dwarf Gouramis?

Dwarf gouramis are fairly easy to care for, as long as you provide them with a proper home and food. When choosing an aquarium, opt for one that is 10 gallons or larger and do not add any other fish until the tank is fully cycled. You should also avoid keeping these fish with very messy eaters, like cichlids or loaches.

Dwarf gouramis are very active swimmers and need plenty of room in the tank to dart around. They do best in tanks that contain live plants, rocks, and driftwood for them to swim around. You should also add some floating plants to shade the sun and keep the tank shaded.

When it comes time to decorate, use rocks or driftwood to create hiding places for your fish so they feel safe. Remember that these are schooling fish, so they will be much more comfortable in the company of others! Finally, make sure you keep the water temperature around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Bottom Line

Dwarf gouramis are a great choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike! These curious fish love to swim in schools and will add color and activity to your tank. If you give them a proper home and feed them a variety of nutritious food, dwarf gouramis will reward you with their adorable personalities!