Dwarf Gourami + Betta = fail?

Question

I just wanted to check this, because I am experiencing some temporary aggression in my main tank (D.Gourami's home, due to some convict cichlids that I'm holding for a friend who had some tank troubles), and was considering moving my male D.Gourami into my 20L (male) Betta tank for about a week. Basically because it's a more pleasant idea than a big ugly divider in my display tank. (80L)

The 20L tank is heavily planted for its size (with Java Moss), and has driftwood and rocks to hide in. Informative links would be appreciated, because I'm not going to put the health of two of my favourite fish in jeopardy without thorough reading. :)

Also - I know that it's the Dwarf Gourami who's more likely to be the problem re:aggression, than the Betta.

Other aggression-abating suggestions would also be appreciated. :)

Answer 1

do not put the betta with the gourami. bettas can be put with anything that is a betta, or similar to a betta. gourami are too much like a betta to be safe for several reasons. both go to the top for air, both are brightly colored, and both fight with another male of the same species, and both will fight anything that is similar. they will fight or get stressed from fear of the other fish.

you can try it, and mayby get away with it though if you seem to have friendly fish, and if the plants are enough to provide coverage for the fish. you might be safe for a week with both of these fish together because of these reasons, but they will eventually fight.

Answer 2

Soops gotta ya here...I have had this experience with a Dwarf Gourami and a male Betta...I had a floating container in one of my tanks with the Betta in there for a couple of days...and the Betta would not stop flaring up and towards the direction fo the Gourami.  The Gourami seemed less interested, but the Betta was on top of him every time with line of sight.

With a heavily planted area, maybe, but dont think I would risk it.  I have a female betta with a male Dwarf Gourami and they get along fine.  but two males with similarities...possible issue there.

Best of Luck!

Answer 3

well i had no idea there could be a problem tween a Dwarf Gourami & a Betta. I have one of each in a 5 Gal, no problems HOWEVER the move in tanks & change in water is always a stress which can be a problem - I might put up with the divider for a week....

Answer 4

Often the way fish respond to one another is individual.  Depending on the size of the convicts, the gourami could easily be the aggressive one, but convicts are rather mean, soo...If it looks like any of the fish is being too picked on, make other arrangements.

The 20L tank should be fine for both betta and gourami, but keep an eye out just in case, if this is what you do.

Answer 5

Really, if you're concerned, I wouldn't put the fish on the line.  They are very similar in appearance and genetics and every instinct they have will tell them to go after the other.  A divider would be a much safer, albiet, less attractive option that would pose no threat to eithers' health.  If you watch them VERY carefully, it could work temporarily, but if they shred each other the minute you aren't looking, I don't know that you'd feel too great.

Answer 6

what do you mean by 20 and 80 l u mean liters well tell me that and i can give you some info