Frail gourami Care Guide

The Frail Gourami is a beautiful and moderately hardy fish, making it a fascinating choice for aquarium enthusiasts. Ensuring the well-being of these fish involves careful attention to their environment, diet, and social interactions.

Care Process

Frail Gouramis thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range between 6 and 7.5. They require a water temperature maintained between 24°C and 28°C. Regular monitoring of water parameters is recommended to ensure a stable environment, as they are moderately hardy but can still be sensitive to sudden changes.

Tank Setup

When setting up a tank for Frail Gouramis, allow for a minimum of 10 liters of water per fish. They are best kept in schools of at least three individuals to meet their social needs. This species can dwell at any tank level - surface, mid, or bottom, so providing a mix of open swimming spaces and shaded areas with plants is beneficial. Decorations like driftwood and caves can also help reduce territorial disputes by providing hiding spots.

Feeding

Frail Gouramis are omnivorous and can have a varied diet that includes flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods. Offering a combination of bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, micro worms, and daphnia can meet their nutritional needs and enhance their coloration. Additional nutritional sources like vegetable matter, algae wafers, and color-enhancing foods provide a well-rounded diet. Stick-on tablets and freeze-dried foods can also be incorporated into their feeding regime.

Social Behavior

These fish generally exhibit social and moderately peaceful behavior, which may become slightly more aggressive during breeding. Providing enough space and visual barriers in the tank can help manage any temporary territorial or aggressive behaviors. It is important to be mindful of tank mates, as they are moderately territorial and may not be compatible with very aggressive species.

Breeding

During breeding periods, Frail Gouramis may show a moderate increase in aggression. Ensuring ample space and managing territorial behaviors through aquascaping can help mitigate potential conflicts. Observing changes in behavior during this time can provide insights into their needs and assist in maintaining harmony within the tank.

By paying close attention to these factors, aquarists can enjoy healthy and vibrant Frail Gouramis, adding life and activity to their aquarium environments.