If you’re looking to create an aquarium with a definitive and colorful look, Dwarf Gouramis are an excellent choice. You must be mindful, however, of the tank mates you stock them with.
Dwarf Gouramis are a great addition to freshwaters aquarium for even the newest of hobbyists. Their temperament is typically peaceful and easy to maintain. Their variety of colors compliment just about any other fish or decor you put in your tank.
While they’ll get along with most fish you must take into account Dwarf Gouramis can sometimes be territorial so they need enough space to swim happily without feeling threatened.
Read on to learn more about some really awesome tank mates for Dwarf Gourami community aquarium.
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Equipment You Might Need For Your Dwarf Gourami
- Aqua Clear – Fish Tank Filter
- NICREW Classic LED Aquarium Light
- Fluval M Aquarium Heater
- Python Pro-Clean Gravel Washer and Siphon Kit
- Marina Algae Magnet Cleaner
- API Freshwater Master Test Kit
What Fish Can Live With Dwarf Gourami?
Below we’ve listed a few of the best Dwarf Gourami tank mates that you can keep in the same aquarium.
1. Tetras
Care level: Easy
Max Size of fish: 1.5 inches
Temperature range: 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit
pH range: 5.5-6.8
Their tiny size and peaceful presence make Tetras perfect for just about any freshwater habitat. Tetra species also range in multiple colors adding a fun twist to your tank when matching with Dwarf Gouramis.
Tetras are schooling fish so you’ll want at least six or more, depending on tank size, otherwise, they can become stressed. They thrive in heavily planted tanks and will steer clear of impeding other tank mates.
Stick with popular species like Neons, Cardinals or Glowlight tetras as opposed to Serpae or Black Skirts which can be mildly aggressive fin-nippers.
2. Guppies
Care level: Easy
Max Size of fish: 2 inches
Temperature range: 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit
pH range: 7-8
Just like Tetras, Guppies are great Dwarf Gourami great tank makes for their small size and peaceful nature. They’re more independent so you won’t need to worry about grouping them in large masses.
In addition to plenty of colors, their tails give them a distinguished appearance similar to the long fins of Dwarf Gouramis.
Guppies are unique for their size because they don’t lay eggs and instead give birth to live offspring. Just make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t become a snack!
3. Danios
Care level: Easy
Max Size of fish: 4 inches
Temperature range: 64-74 degrees Fahrenheit
pH range: 6.5-7
If you’re looking for hardy fish to keep your tank long-lasting, Danios are a perfect addition. They can live for up to five years and are native to Asia just like the Gourami species.
They are peaceful schooling fish and should be kept in groups. Zebra Danios sometimes referred to as “Zebrafish”, are one of the more popular species and get its name from the black and white stripes along its side.
Some Danios thrive in cooler water temperatures compared to other freshwater fish but can live just as happy and healthy in the same water conditions as Dwarf Gouramis.
4. Mollies
Care level: Easy
Max Size of fish: 6 inches
Temperature range: 68-82 degrees Fahrenheit
pH range: 7-8
Similar to the feathery tails and wide range of colors as Guppies, Mollies can grow to be much bigger and can complement the similar size of Dwarf Gouramis.
They’re also not picky eaters and will gladly snack on plants or algae in addition to regular fish food pellets.
Mollies get along well with other peaceful tank mates, but it’s important they have enough room just like Dwarf Gouramis. Aim for at least 10 gallons (preferably more) as they can turn aggressive if they feel too confined or threatened from lack of space.
5. Platies
Care level: Easy
Max Size of fish: 2.5 inches
Temperature range: 64-77 degrees Fahrenheit
pH range: 7-8.2
If there’s a specific color you want but just can’t find for your tank, Platies likely have you covered. You can practically take your pick of the rainbow to match with your Dwarf Gourami.
Although not schooling fish, platies are very active and do best when kept in groups. Because they can produce at a higher rate and cause aggression, it’s best to stick with the same gender.
Be sure to keep a hood or lid on your tank as they’ve been known to be jumpers!
6. Plecos
Care level: Easy
Max Size of fish: 24 inches
Temperature range: 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit
pH range: 6.5-7.5
Plecos are from the Catfish family and are peaceful creatures who mind their own business. You can usually find them scavenging on the gravel or glass. Plecos like to hide so make sure your tank has spots for them to move in and out of to avoid stress.
Their bland gray color isn’t flashy, but many hobbyists include them in their tank for cleanup duty by helping cut down on algae growth.
It’s important to be mindful of their size. Some Plecos can grow up to two feet and even live for up to 15 years, making them more suitable for larger tanks.
7. Loaches
Care level: Moderate
Max Size of fish: 1 foot
Temperature range: 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit
pH range: 6.5-7.5
Another bottom dweller that cuts down on algae growth is Loaches. Like Plecos, they’re a Catfish that won’t fuss with other tank mates and are low maintenance.
There’s a variety of Loach species, but one of the more popular is the Clown Loach known for its thick orange and black stripes. Their smaller size makes them a suitable tankmate for Dwarf Gouramis.
It’s best to keep them in a group of three or more as Loaches hey tend to be more active in larger groups.
8. Corydoras
Care level: Moderate
Max Size of fish: 2.5 inches
Temperature range: 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit
pH range: 6.2-7.2
Corydoras, or Cories, are another type of catfish with species in all different shapes and sizes. Unlike Plecos and Loaches, they tend to stay relatively small and are reserved at times making them ideal tank mates for Dwarf Gouramis.
They prefer open spaces and its best to avoid using sharp decor that can damage the barbs around their mouths. Their minimal size makes them great for smaller aquariums, just be sure to separate them from aggressive tank mates they may not be able to defend against. Keep them in groups of three or more, kind of like the buddy system.
9. African Dwarf Frogs
Care level: Moderate
Max Size of frog: 3 inches
Temperature range: 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit
pH range: 6.5-7.5
Who says an aquarium has to be all fish? African Dwarf Frogs are a great addition to freshwater tanks that are unique and educational. These aquatic creatures can thrive in a wide range of water temperatures.
African Dwarf Frogs tend to be nocturnal so you may notice them staying dormant during the day, sometimes in the same spot for hours at a time. If you pay close attention you’ll notice them occasionally sneak up to the surface for air.
Smaller fish could fall victim to becoming a froggy snack, but Dwarf Gouramis are plenty large enough to be in no harm’s way.
10. Snails
Care level: Easy
Max Size of fish: 2 inches
Temperature range: 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit
pH range: 6.5-8
Don’t let their reputation for slow movement or boring routine fool you, snails add liveliness to any freshwater tank!
Popular choices for aquariums Nerites and Mystery snails. While the rest of their tank mates swim around, snails are peacefully happy moving along any surface they can find – glass, gravel, decor, etc.
Snails stay plenty full eating away at built up algae in all nooks and crannies of your tank. Just be sure to keep an eye on them as sometimes they can wind up their back shell making them vulnerable to attack or starvation.
11. Shrimp
Care level: Easy
Max Size of fish: 1-2 inches
Temperature range: 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit
pH range: 6.5-8
Shrimp are another invertebrate that can make great tank mates because they’ll eat just about anything, including chewed up leftovers or debris. You’ll have to be careful, however, about the kind you house with Dwarf Gouramis.
Ghost or Amano Shrimp are best due to their larger size and being able to defend against other tank mates. Avoid Cherry Shrimp which can easily be chewed up and breed at extremely high rates, leading to infestation.
Shrimp are generally easy to care for but can be sensitive to certain water conditions if they’re constantly changing.
12. Other Dwarf Gouramis
How many dwarf Gouramis should be kept together?
It’s great to have diversity in your aquarium. While you have countless options for adding tank mates, you could always add more Dwarf Gouramis.
This should be done though with caution. You’ll want to make sure your tank is big enough for more than one to peacefully coexist. It’s also best to purchase your Dwarf Gouramis at the same time from the pet store so they can be introduced to your tank together.
Because they can be territorial there’s always the possibility of fighting. This will look like constant pecking and biting towards one another. Keep a constant eye out and know when to separate Dwarf Gouramis if one or more acts up.
Deciding on Dwarf Gourami Tank Mates and Ones to Avoid
Overall, the best tankmates for Dwarf Gouramis are ones relatively smaller that don’t pose any visible threats.
There are more than enough options to pair with your Dwarf Gourami, but it doesn’t mean you should throw them all into your aquarium at once. Be mindful that even those these fish are likely to peacefully coexist with your Dwarf Gourami it doesn’t mean every single one of them will get along with each other.
Remember, fish have personalities just like us. While your Dwarf Gourami shouldn’t give any of these prospective tank mates any trouble, always keep an eye out for signs of aggression. This could be nipped, shredded fins or damaged scales.
Fish that shouldn’t be kept with Dwarf Gouramis are Betta Fish and Barbs. Betta’s are known to be fighters and will instinctively be aggressive towards most tank mates with long fins, while fish like Cherry Barbs tend to gang up on other fish.
Wondering about other possible Dwarf Gourami tank mates or need help setting up your aquarium? Check out our blog!
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