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Pearl Gouramis, belonging to the Gourami family, are renowned for their captivating “pearl-like” coloration. Guppies, on the other hand, offer a vast array of colors. One common question that arises is whether Pearl Gouramis can coexist with Guppies.
The answer is yes, Pearl Gouramis and Guppies can indeed live together harmoniously. Both species are known for their nonaggressive nature and typically exhibit peaceful behavior. They are well-suited for community aquariums.
Around five years ago, I acquired six young Pearl Gouramis, marking my initial introduction to these stunning fish. I was truly impressed as they rapidly matured and displayed the mesmerizing qualities that inspired the name “Pearl” Gourami.
Can Pearl Gourami and Guppies cohabitate?
Undoubtedly, a tank filled with vibrant and actively swimming fish creates an aesthetically pleasing sight. Guppies, with their small size, agility, and vivid colors, dart energetically throughout the aquarium. On the other hand, Pearl Gouramis, being larger in size, move gracefully, adding a contrasting elegance to the tank.
It’s important to note that Pearl Gouramis predominantly inhabit the uppermost portion of the aquarium. They have a preference for feeding on the food present at the water’s surface, often ignoring sinking food that reaches the substrate. This behavior increases the likelihood of decay in the water. In contrast, guppies are known for their voracious appetite and will eagerly consume any food within the tank. If any food passes by the Pearl Gouramis, they will gladly take advantage of the opportunity to consume it.
Pearl Gourami And Guppies Require Comparable Water Conditions?
Ensuring suitable water conditions is crucial when housing Pearl Gouramis and Guppies together, although the Gourami can be slightly more particular. By tailoring your aquarium to meet their requirements, Guppies and Pearl Gouramis can coexist harmoniously.
Maintain a tank water temperature between 77°F and 82°F, with a pH level ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. Pearl Gouramis prefer slightly softer water, while Guppies thrive in slightly harder water, aiming for a hardness of 10-15dH, ideally in the middle range.
Considering the aquarium size for Pearl Gouramis and Guppies, a 30-gallon tank is suitable for a pair of Pearl Gouramis and several Guppies. If you wish to house three Pearl Gouramis with Guppies, a 40-gallon tank would be ideal. For a larger collection of Pearl Gouramis, consider a 55-gallon or 75-gallon tank, accommodating six to eight Pearl Gouramis.
When setting up the aquarium, keep in mind that while Guppies are generally adaptable, it’s beneficial to meet the Pearl Gouramis’ requirements. They appreciate a tank with a dark substrate and floating plants to provide a dimmed illumination. Including live plants in the aquarium enhances the Pearl Gouramis’ sense of security, encouraging them to spend more time swimming openly rather than hiding.
Ensure the aquarium is equipped with a heater and filter, with a basic heater set to 78 degrees Fahrenheit being generally sufficient. Avoid placing the Pearl Gourami and Guppy aquarium in high-traffic areas to prevent the Pearl Gouramis from spending excessive time hiding.
Based on my past experiences, I’ve had great success using Fluval Stratum or black blasting sand as substrates for Pearl Gouramis. Additionally, incorporating floating plants in the aquarium satisfies the Pearl Gouramis’ preference for dimmed lighting.
Remember to provide suitable hiding spots and a well-balanced environment for both Pearl Gouramis and Guppies to ensure their overall well-being and enjoyment in the aquarium.
Is there any danger of Pearl Gourami eating baby guppy fish?
Indeed, it is true that Pearl Gouramis may consume some of the Guppy fry. To put it simply, any Guppy that can fit into the mouth of a Pearl Gourami is at risk of being consumed. To provide a safe haven for the Guppy fry, you can create areas with heaps of tiny pebbles that the Gourami cannot access.
It’s important to ensure that the baby Guppies have ample protection from the Pearl Gourami. One effective method is to incorporate real, living plants into the aquarium setup. These plants can serve as hiding spots and offer cover for the Guppy fry. Additionally, floating plants with long trailing roots can also provide suitable hiding places.
By providing adequate hiding spots and cover, you can help increase the chances of survival for the Guppy fry in the presence of Pearl Gouramis.
Who Else Belongs in a Tank with Pearl Gourami and Guppy Fish?
The number of Pearl Gouramis and Guppies that can coexist in a single tank is primarily determined by the tank’s volume. The size of the tank serves as a limiting factor in this regard. Since Pearl Gouramis tend to inhabit the upper portion of the tank, while Guppies occupy various areas within the tank, it is advisable to consider adding a bottom-dwelling fish to maximize the use of space and ensure a harmonious balance. This way, the different fish species can utilize different areas of the tank effectively.
How About Some Other Kinds of Gourami?
Guppies can coexist with various other species in the Gourami family within the same tank. The combination of blue Guppies and powder blue Gouramis creates a striking visual contrast, with the Gouramis standing out beautifully. Similarly, placing a crimson Guppy alongside a Honey Gourami brings out the vibrant yellow coloration of the Gourami. Dwarf Gouramis, known for their peaceful nature, make excellent companions for Guppies, and their presence enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the tank, especially when combined with the diverse colors of Guppy fish.
Last but not least
The combination of Guppies and Pearl Gouramis can create a fantastic team in your aquarium. They share similar maintenance requirements, allowing them to coexist without issues, while their distinct personalities add an interesting dynamic to the tank.
If your tank size permits, it’s recommended to stock a diverse range of fish species. Consider including some bottom-dwelling fish to fully utilize the tank’s space and create a balanced ecosystem. Additionally, adding Red Cherry Shrimp can contribute vibrant colors and further enhance the variety within the aquarium. This combination of fish and shrimp will provide a visually appealing and lively aquatic environment.
