Did your dwarf gourami suddenly die? Does this keep happening and you don’t know what is causing it? In this article, we’ll find out why dwarf gouramis keep dying.
Why Do My Dwarf Gouramis Keep Dying? Dwarf Gourami disease, poor breeding conditions, insufficient beneficial bacteria and temperature changes lead to sudden deaths in sensitive dwarf gourami fish.
Water quality always comes into question, but there seems to be more to it than that. We hope your next dwarf gourami has a better chance at survival.
Are Dwarf Gouramis Hard To Keep?
Dwarf gouramis are community fish. They get along and mind their own business in a stocked tank. They should not be difficult to take care of if your tank’s ecosystem is cycled and healthy. Keep the following conditions in mind.
- Tank parameters
- Diet
- Risk of disease
- Water quality
- Water temperature
- Grouping them together
Tank Parameters
Dwarf gouramis can follow the general rule of one inch of fish per gallon. They can survive in smaller tanks due to their smaller size.
They are dependent on the tank’s water to be free of all ammonia and nitrites. An air pump is not necessary, but a filter is a must. We suggest a hang-on-back filter with plenty of beneficial bacteria in the filter’s media.
Diet
Gouramis eat insects and larvae in the wild. Captive dwarf gouramis will enjoy a variety of:
- Flakes
- Free dried foods
- Frozen foods
- Vegetable tablets
- Algae wafers
- Bloodworms
- Brine shrimp
Try not to overfeed these smaller sized fish to reduce bloating and excess fish waste.
Disease
Some dwarf gouramis will fall victim to Dwarf Gourami Disease or Iridovirus. Look for the following symptoms:
- Changes In Color
- Lack of Appetite
- Existence of Wounds
- Distended Abdomen
Keep their immune systems strong with liquid garlic or vitamin based solutions. Dip your dwarf gourami’s food in these solutions to help boost their strength. Maintain the cleanest or healthiest water quality for them.
Water Quality
- pH: 6.0-7.5.
- Alkalinity: 4-10° dGH
- Nitrite and Ammonia: 0ppm
- Nitrate: Less than 5 ppm
Try to prevent the water parameters from fluctuating. Dwarf gouramis may not survive the cycling of a tank with them inside. They may not be hardy enough for that.
Water Temperature
- 75-80°F
If you keep cichlids or other tropical fish that enjoy the higher end of this temperature range, expect your dwarf gouramis to have a harder time keeping up.
If they get sluggish, they are having a hard time getting oxygen in the warmer water. Drop down to 75°F with the hope that it doesn’t stress out your other fish.
Group Them Together
Many fish keepers with dwarf gouramis encourage others to keep them in group of 4, 6, 8 or more. They are community fish that enjoy being social. The safety in numbers keeps them calmer and prevents unnecessary stress.
What Do Gouramis Need To Survive?
We offer ranges in pH and alkalinity for dwarf gouramis, but we feel that they are more likely to remain hardy in water that doesn’t fluctuate often.
Continue to test your water to keep the pH and alkalinity at a particular number. For example a pH of 6.8 and alkalinity of 5° dkH would be best to remain that way throughout the day. Their needs should be met with the following:
- Water testing kit
- Aquarium heater
- Hang-on-back filter
- Beneficial bacteria
- Social tankmates
How Can You Tell If A Dwarf Gourami Is Healthy?
Look for the following signs that indicate your dwarf gourami’s health is optimal and they are happy overall in your tank.
- Strong appetite.
- Active swimming close to the surface
- No injuries, growths or abrasions
- No bruises, white spots or blemishes
- Clear eyes that are not bulging
- Bright and vibrant scales
- Not hiding all day
As a fish keeper and careful observer, you will be able to notice some of these actions even before you buy a dwarf gourami. With time and adjustment, you should notice a healthy dwarf gourami checking off each of these actions and enjoying its carefree life.
Why is My Dwarf Gourami Swimming Up And Down?
Your dwarf gourami is exhibiting sings of “glass surfing”. This means your little guy is swimming up and down in a state of stress.
Your dwarf gourami is not happy in this situation and wants to get out. The water quality or aggressive tankmates could be causing this.
Perform a 25% water change right away and observe for any aggressive behavior aimed towards the troubled dwarf gourami.
They are social fish in their own community. Sometimes the group of dwarf gourami may single one out and shun it. This form of bullying could lead to a sad or stressed dwarf gourami that is getting weaker.
Which Fish Go Well With Dwarf Gourami?
Look to add more peaceful fish in your community tank. The following fish have been kept successfully with dwarf gouramis:
- Swordtail
- Molly
- Platy
- Chili Rasbora
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Otoclinus Catfish
- Panda Corydora
- Pygmy Corydora
- Zebra Danio
- Neon Tetra
- Cardinal Tetra
- Kuhli Loach
Conclusion
The bioloads or fish waste from the fish in the community could be getting to your dwarf gourami and causing it to feel weak. Check the water quality first and foremost.
These fish do not survive well during cycling. Dwarf Gourami Disease is a problem for some of these species and should be observed with telltale physical signs showing their weakness. Soak their food in garlic liquid or vitamin solution to help boost their ability to fight off infections or disease.
Some wholesalers or retailers may get their hands on heavily inbred dwarf gouramis or simply a weak group under improper breeding conditions. These fish are not the hardiest and need careful observation without fluctuations in water temperature or spiking ammonia levels.
Thank you for visiting HelpUsFish.com and we hope to see you again soon for another article on Dwarf Gouramis!
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