Would a kissing gourami be compatible with cichlids? ?

Question

Would a kissing gourami be compatible with cichlids? ?

Answer 1

No, the cichlids would absolutely murder the gourami because the cichlids are aggresive, and the gourami are community.

Answer 2

Depends on your tank size really.  Keep in mind, kissing Gourami can reach some significant sizes, but when you say cichlid, I'd like to know what kind are you talking about?  Bigger bulkier South Americans I think are going to cause issues.  If African, and Mbuna type, you have a decent chance.  I've got about 10-15 different Gourami's, from Opaline, Lavendars, Pearls, and Snakeskins in with my Africans, but my tanks are not under 75 gallons where I keep them in either.  I can tell you for a fact, despite what others might tell you, yes, you very much can do this with Africans because I've got three tanks shots I can post to show you contrary to anyone saying no.  These are not new tanks either.  They are going into their second year now, and six different species of African cichlids are breeding in them.

What makes this more possible with African Mbuna is Mbuna will tend to stay near the bottom in the substrate area, around the rocks, hence why they are called Mbuna (Rock fish).  Gourami are upper level surface breeders, and the interaction between the two is going to be very minimal.  Now if you are talking about South American, these fish also get bigger, and there are more rule the tank types, such as Jack Dempsey's, Green Terror's and Red Devils, that wouldn't tolerate another larger fish like a Kissing Gourami very well.