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Ok, so I've waited patiently for 3 weeks running a fishless cycle and have finally got some stock:

6 Siamese Flying Foxes
6 Hockey Stick Tetra
1 Golden Gourami

Now all has gone well, though my Gourami seems a little spooked/lonely - is this normal and should I get him some friends (i.e other Gourami)?

Thanks in advance,

Clinton

hmmm from what I have seen gouramis dont seem to enjoy eachothers company... i could be wrong though

What size is your tank?

Gouramis tend to be skiddish in a new home. They tend to hide for 2-3 weeks, then they'll venture out into the open. So to answer your question, yes it is normal

About more tankmates... as long as you're not reaching your stock limit, yes you could get more fish. Devon is right though, gouramis can get aggressive when put together. Instead I'd look at something like rams, kribs, corys, or an angel. Again, it depends on what size tank you have. However, I'd test the water 2 or 3 days in a row before adding anything else, just to make sure your levels are stable

Good luck

><>Dani<><

devon7

I have 8 Opaline in my 5ft tank. Never a problem from day one. Though I believe some of the smaller species are very timid.

Keith

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Gourami is now a little less skittish though still pretty shy, I'm sure he will come out of his shell...

Have some identity issues now with my Flying Foxes schooling with the Hockey Stick Tetras...

yes, the gouramis are quite timid at first, though given time they will come out of that proverbial shell. As far as a tankmate, that would depend on tank size, and bio-load. If you got the room for it though, I definately think it would be a good idea, I have some dwarf gouramis who enjoyed each others company for quite some time.(another fish ruined that....but that's another story)

Also, your other fish may school together, that is normal, just in case you were wondering.


-tankster