Female Dwarf Gourami 4cm

Female Dwarf Gourami

The Dwarf Gourami is arguably the most popular gourami species in the world however as males tend to be the most bright and vibrant in this species, they steal the spotlight. The female dwarf gourami is a fantastic alternative to aquarists who are searching for a wilder-looking fish to complement a well-put-together planted tank or a blackwater biotope system. These are also fish that only get to a maximum size of around 8cm which makes them a fantastic species for nano aquariums or to start a gourami breeding project. 

The female Dwarf Gourami in terms of body shape looks exactly the same as males with the main difference being colouration. Whilst males sport blues, oranges, and reds, the females take a more earthy route with reflective silvers and browns. The body colour is split into a darker gun metal grey in the upper half, with the bottom half having a more tin foil silver that shimmers under LED lights. Wherever the male fish would have orange body stripes or striations on the fins, the females have a more coffee-brown colour which compliments and contrasts the silver. The dorsal and ventral fins are quite extended on gouramis and their pelvic fins are modified to act as individually controllable feelers which is fascinating to see in use. 

The Dwarf Gourami is a bubble-nest breeder, a trait shared by a few other related species like betta and paradise fish. Once the female lays fertilized eggs, the male deposits the eggs into the bubble nest and then guards the fry until they are free swimming. These will make for a fantastic breeding project and something different from the typical betta.

Tank Recommendations for your Female Dwarf Gourami

These gouramis thrive best in tanks with a minimum size of 70 liters. They prefer a well-planted environment with slow-moving water, so using a gentle filter is advised. The tank should have a combination of open swimming space and cover in the form of live plants, driftwood, and caves just so the gourami has places of refuge. The ideal water temperature ranges between 22-28°C, with a pH level of 6.0-7.0. 

Suitable tank buddies

The female Dwarf Gourami is generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of tank mates as long as they are not overly aggressive or large.

Usually compatible

Smaller tetras, rasboras, danios, peaceful barbs, catfish, and other similarly-sized peaceful species. 

Sometimes Compatible

Other gourami species and mildly aggressive fish. Fin nippers such as tiger barbs are also better to be avoided. It is crucial to monitor their behaviour to ensure they are not stressed or harassed. 

Rarely Compatible

Large, aggressive, or territorial species such are fire mouth cichlids. The female Dwarf Gourami might be bullied, eaten, or outcompeted for food.  

Feeding your Female Dwarf Gourami 

Female Dwarf Gourami should take to foods quite easily however they require incredibly small foods. Their mouth is best shaped to eat small works and their diet can easily consist of a nano pellet or flake along with white worms, microworms, and even black worms.