Wondering if Dwarf Gouramis and Bettas are good cohabitants in the same tank? Think no longer because we’ve got your back.
This guide will help you explore these fish, their genetic history, and their temperament.
You won’t just learn about them but also what they require in their tanks.
You will find a lot of factors that result in their compatibility and even incompatibility.
Before you make your decision, please read this article to be more knowledgeable about the issue and ways to plan it better.
So, can Dwarf Gouramis live with Bettas? That’s a question you’ll only know the answer to if you learn more through this article.
Understanding Dwarf Gouramis
The famous freshwater Dwarf Gourami, renowned for its distinctive looks that are veiled in colors, is a small, calm-natured fish.
Native to the West Bengal region of India, as well as Bangladesh, they are referred to as labyrinth fish.
They are usually shy creatures that like to be around other non-predatory fish.
The reason they are called labyrinth fish is because of their ability to breathe through a lung type of organ, which comes combined with gills.
They flourish in thick and clean water that is covered in shrubs and vegetation.
They come in all colors and shapes, so you have a choice in which species you’d like in your tank.
They generally prefer a slow water flow in a tank of 10 gallons of water.
They are very slow eaters, so if you keep them with Bettas, you must keep an eye on them.
Understanding Bettas
Bettas are usually relatively calm fish; however, they are also widely called the Siamese fish for fighting.
This is because of their carnivorous tendencies, which allow them to feed on random insects and even larvae that hit the water’s surface.
They can also be aggressive beings that hunt and nip on others despite them not provoking Bettas.
With an average lifespan that reaches 3 or 5 years, their beauty and distinct looks would be able to adorn your tank for a long time.
They ideally love a tank of 5 gallons fixed with a water filtration system and even a heater to maintain warm water temperature.
They thrive in a tank with a 6.
8-7.
5 alkalinity level.
Since they are quite active fish, placing artificial plants in the tank would be a bad idea as they can get hurt and end up with damaged fins.
Feeding them three pellets a day is enough for them to grow daily.
Unlike the myths, you cannot keep Bettas with just any fish, especially other male fish.
Can Dwarf Gouramis Live with Bettas
If you are planning to join these two species in a home, you might want to have a look at the arguments for and against them.
The Dwarf Gourami and Betta are generally compatible due to their similarities in temperature needs.
Both fish do not need extra attention with regard to water warmth because they can tolerate the same amount of heat and oxygen levels.
A big aquarium is a good space for the two of them because of their need for plentiful space and sufficient hiding places.
If the tank is large and there is a plantation in the tank, you can reduce the aggressive pressure by a considerable margin.
Green vegetation can act as a source of shelter if they are in need of it.
Dwarf Gouramis love swimming around the middle and surface area of the tank, which coincides with the preference of Bettas.
This can definitely cause a huge dispute for territory and might cause them to feel stressed and displaced.
When this is the case, another good option is having a bigger tank, as discussed above.
Despite the setbacks, many experts have put the Dwarf Gouramis and Bettas in the same tank and have found success with it.
So, this must not deter you from your goals, as this article is not trying to discourage you but to keep you on your toes.
It would be best if you always tried before concluding.
But remember to keep an eye on them whenever possible and create a backup plan if they can’t seem to like each other’s presence.
Compatibility Considerations
Regarding Dwarf Gourami and Betta cohabitation, you must note down several factors that can deter their relationship.
Some of which include their territorial differences.
Since Bettas are highly sensitive and aggressive, they will create conflict in case any Dwarf Gourami swims into the wrong turf.
These Gouramis are primarily very calm creatures that do not cause a scene when kept with any pet fish.
However, with a Betta, all its negative traits come out.
They might be peaceful, but they are prone to bullying by the Bettas and other creatures in the tank.
When provoked too much, they get aggressive and will fight in case of any territorial issues.
Apart from the colorful atmosphere these two fish will provide your tank, there is a sense of visual pleasure that is a great addition when beginning as an aquarist.
You will learn that despite the odds, managing to maintain harmony among the two will not just lead to communal pleasure but also visual joy.
If you can cohabitate them and make them live in the same environment, they can be excellent tank mates.
Avoiding male Bettas is a great start, so your Dwarf Gouramis lives to keep their fins as Bettas nip at any long fin.
Additionally, you need proper observations because accidentally leaving them while feeding, the two species might cause a nightmare as they fight over food.
Even if the Dwarf Gourami is a herbivore, and Bettas have carnivorous habits, they might fight over food if not adequately fed.
It’s crucial that you have a backup plan to consider in the case that factors like tank size and fish gender change.
Conclusion
Dwarf Gouramis generally cannot live with Bettas simply because they tend to occupy the same space in the tank.
Their swimming pattern impacts their compatibility, and hence they are not recommended partners of an aquarium.
It is also advised to keep the two away because of the aggressive nature of Gouramis against the Bettas.
If you can provide sufficient space or believe your fish would never be competitive and aggressive, you can cohabitate with them.
However, you must ensure that you feed them separate food and observe them carefully in case of fights for food.
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