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I'm thinking about adding a gourami to my 20 gallon tank, but I really can't decide on any, though initial store browsing has given opaline gourami first place so far. (they stay smaller than the blue, and look nicer) My other tank occupants are a gold barb, and 2 brochis splendens. (yes, I'm adding some more of those, don't worry) Are there any gouramis that I would be better off getting? Thanks for the info!

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Opaline gouramis are beautiful. I'll give you a list of gouramis that can fit in a 20 gallon.

Dwarf gourami (Colisa lalia) 3 in
giant gourami (colisa fasciata) 4 in
thicklipped gourami (Colisa labiosa) 3.5 in
spiketail gourami (Parosphronemus cupanus) 3 in
chocolate gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides) 3 in
pearl gourami (trichogaster leeri) 4 in
croaking gourami (Trichopsis vittata) 2.5 in

Some of these gouramis are more fragile than others (such as the chocolate gourami).

Also, you need to do something with your gold barb (give him back or get him a school).

Yeah, I want to get the barb a school. I'm thinking I'll go with some kind of dwarf gourami, in case I feel like adding something else later.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

go for a pearl gourami...they only get a couple of inch bigger and look tons nicer

i have several dwarf gouramis and a pearl gourami. i find that the dwarfs die off too easily, and the pearl is a lot better looking...just so elegant!

sumo

Sounds like a nice tank sir!
well, once you add the gourami and barbs!

Don't forget Sparkling Gouramies!!!! THey are the bestest! I have a pair and they're so cute. Not the same as croaking - smaller and cuter - they also have blue eyes and look great against a planted tank!

Just my .02

An opaline gourami IS a blue gourami. Blue, Two spot, Opaline and Gold are all basically the same fish, just different color variations and names, but same fish.

Agree that Pearls are a prettier fish, and more peaceful then a blue.

Dwarf Gourami are nice lot's of color and personality.

Any of the one's listed above would work provided you have a enough stocking room for a 4in fish.

As sumonator said, the only one to avoid would be the chocolate - senstive, picky eaters, need to be in groups and will be very timid if any active fish in the tank.Definately not a beginner or community fish.

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

I agree that he chocolates are not the best for a beginner or a community tank- but just becasue I am neurotic I wanted to add that while giant gouramis are listed among those that may go in a 20 gal- I have seen a few fish referred to as giant gouramis- be sur eyou are getting the right one, some of them get to be around two feet.

[span class="edited"][Edited by 2004-08-03 02:39][/span]