Dwarf gouramis, just as their name, are small species of freshwater fish. This species of smaller gouramis have been very trendy to be kept in the tank.
Native to South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan), dwarf gouramis were only famous in Asia. Now that they are widely spread beyond their native range, they became more popular.
The popularity they gained overtime is not for no reason. First off, dwarf gouramis are undeniably beautiful.
Their vibrant colors will definitely brighten up your tank. Though it is only the male ones that got the diagonal bright red and blue stripes, the silvery color of females is no less pretty.
Another positive side that these little friends got is they are unaggressive and more friendly. It is not a challenge for them to be put in a community tank. They go well with other small fish with similar characteristics and are adaptable to various tank conditions.
Besides, it is also pretty simple to take care of dwarf gouramis. They don’t require heavy maintenance and are not picky eaters. You only have to provide a densely planted aquarium for them.
Considering their characteristics, adding more population into the tank is not a bad choice. But before giving your dwarf gouramis a few friends, finding out which species are suitable for them could be a good idea.
Curious much about them? Let’s take a look!
Table of Contents
20 Best Dwarf Gourami Tank Mates
Guppies
Guppies can also be called million fish or rainbow fish, could make great companions with your dwarf gouramis. If you ask why it is quite an easy question to answer. Both species share many similarities, and we’ll find out what those are.
First, they are just as friendly and non-violent as your dwarf gouramis. They’re not going to ruin the peace in your tank, in most cases. They are also highly adaptable and eat just whatever dwarf gouramies eat.
If you’d like to add some color varieties to your aquarium, consider getting some guppies. Their bright color differs from the gouramis, but the difference is what makes it beautiful!
Mollies
Unlike dwarf gouramis and guppies, mollies are not very colorful. Molly fish are mostly black, white, and orange. Except for the Sailfin mollies. They have vibrant yellow or orange colors, but they will grow bigger than any other mollies and won’t be a good fit for your dwarf gouramis.
Mollies don’t need special treatments, just like the dwarf gouramis. They eat just anything you feed them. In addition, that mollies are also unaggressive and will do well in a community tank.
From the characteristics both fish have in common, mollies can make a great pair with your dwarf gouramis.
Platies
Platies are other small livebearers like guppies and mollies. Discovered in 1907, they began to gain popularity among the aquarists since then.
They are about the same size as dwarf gouramis, even smaller. They can be as big as 3 inches. If you guessed that the platies have many things in common with the dwarf gouramis, you’re right. That’s why they’re here on the list of dwarf gourami tank mates.
Platies are peaceful. They will not bother the other inhabitants in the tank. They also prefer aquariums with a lot of plants where they can hide and swim around. It is best to keep them in a small group, maybe around 3 to 5 fish in a tank.
Swordtails
Another freshwater fish that is already well-known since a long time ago, thanks to its unique appearance. True to their name, swordtails have a long, sword-like bottom tail.
They’re probably a bit bigger than their fellow livebearers, but swordtails can still join your dwarf gouramis to live in the same home.
They are friendly enough to be put together with other small fish. But you have to make sure that you have enough room for the swordtails. They are very active. They can disturb their friends if there’s not a spacious room for them to explore.
Angelfish
This beauty will absolutely complement your dwarf gouramis in terms of appearance. But here’s a recommendation if you want to put an angelfish with the dwarfs: get a single angelfish. The veiltail ones are stunning, but their fins might cause a problem. Your dwarfs might see them as a threat. Though, they are just one peaceful and calm fish.
As for size, they are slightly larger than the dwarfs. But it won’t be a huge issue since they are quite friendly and love to mind their own business. Considering this, you might have to own a bigger tank if you want these angels.
Betta fish
Betta, also known as Siamese fighting fish, is quite a special fish. Their striking colors and amazing fins are the key appearances.
The bettas will obviously make your tank super colorful if put together with the dwarfs. But there are a few things you need to know before letting betta fish share the same tank as your dwarfs.
Male bettas guard their territories and can act quite aggressively to other male fish. On the other hand, female bettas are different from males. They are pretty peaceful and will get along with other small fish. They also require no special care.
Cory Catfish
This one’s another peaceful little fish you can consider getting to keep your dwarfs’ company. Cory catfish likes to be in small groups, preferably 3 up to 5.
You will often find them roaming on the bottom of the aquarium since they feed there. But sometimes, you will also see them up on the surface. Don’t worry, they’re just gulping for air.
Corydoras have dark colors. They will not steal the spotlight from your dwarf gouramis. It is also quite easy to keep them around. The only thing you need to keep in mind is to feed them foods that sink quickly. Pellets and frozen foods will do.
Bristlenose Plecos
Bristlenose plecos could be another buddy candidate for your dwarf gourami tank mates. Although both species look completely different, they both are peaceful and friendly. Another difference is that bristlenose is herbivores. That surely won’t cause a meaningful issue since the dwarfs are omnivores.
They can adapt their dietary menu. But in size, plecos are quite similar to dwarf gouramis. Bristlenose plecos can grow up to 5 inches. If there’s anything you need to provide them, it’s hiding places and plants. The plecos love to hide and swim around the plants and obstacles.
Tetras
Tetras are perhaps the most common fish kept in tanks. Beginners to experts have no problems keeping them. Their shiny bright colors can lighten up the mood in your aquarium. They are also very easy to keep and undemanding.
Tetras (including neon tetra and cardinal tetra) are able to tolerate different tank conditions, but they will not last in a sudden change in the pH. That’s probably the only downside they have.
And why are the tetras a nice companion for the dwarf gouramis? The gouramis will have zero problems with them since they are very peaceful fish. Also, the tetras prefer tanks with a tropical aquarium setup, just like the dwarfs.
Siamese Algae Eaters
Looking at the name, we know that the siamese algae eaters eat algae. They will swim around, cleaning the tank eating the excessive algae. It makes them super easy to keep since you don’t really have to feed them. They eat pretty much just the algae and leftovers from other fish.
Speaking of behavior, Crossocheilus oblongus are nice dwarf gourami tank mates. They are friendly and will absolutely be amazing companions for your gouramis.
Harlequin Rasboras
Another nice tank mates candidate for your gouramis is harlequin rasboras. They are considerably small in size. Harlequin rasboras can only reach about two inches in length.
Harlequin Rasboras are one of the most peaceful schooling fish. But to preserve their schooling instinct, you should keep them in groups of 8 or more.
Otherwise, there will be a change in their behavior. They might get extremely timid or scared without their groups. The good news, they require no special care. This is one of the reasons why they are very popular and suitable to be your gouramis’ tank mates.
Discus
The discus will probably require more attention and maintenance than any other gouramis’ tank mates. Discus needs high-quality flake and meaty frozen food. They might also become a bit aggressive and territorial when it’s breeding time.
But other than that, they are just calm and friendly. They also have a stunning appearance that will complement your gouramis well. The discus can grow up to 8 inches, so you might want to prepare a bigger tank before keeping them.
Zebra Danio
Zebra Danio can be an amazing combination with your dwarf gouramis. Just like their name, they have stripes like zebra. The colors don’t really pop, mostly black or grey-ish, so they really won’t be a show-stealer in the tank.
Zebra Danios do well in a community tank since they only put interest in their own schooling. Danios are also very easy to take care of without any special care needed. The only thing you probably need is a longer or larger aquarium because long swims are necessary for them.
Ghostfish (Glass Catfish)
The ghost fish is very special and unique. You may have guessed. They are transparent! The appearance will definitely add uniqueness to the aquarium.
But the main reason why ghost fish is a compatible tank buddy is that they only mind their own business. They are super calm and like to swim around in groups of 5 or more. Being active and friendly they are, ghost fish will make great dwarf gourami tank mates.
Ram Cichlids
Another name for this beautiful little creature is German Blue Rams. Unlike other cichlids, which are considered aggressive, ram cichlids are actually very calm. That makes them a perfect fit as tank mates.
They are small in terms of size. The ram cichlids can grow only up to three inches, which is around the perfect size to be friends with the dwarfs. In addition, they also got beautiful colors and patterns on their body. All in all, ram cichlids can be a choice for a tank buddy for your dwarf gouramis.
Boesemani Rainbowfish
Originally from Papua New Guinea, the boesemani rainbowfish is usually found in small streams or lakes. However, it’s pretty difficult to find them in the wild nowadays as they are facing extinction. Besides, you will always have to keep the water conditions and parameters perfect for them.
But like much other smaller fish, the boesemani rainbowfish will make a great mate with the dwarf gouramis. They are calm, friendly, and could get along with similar peaceful fish.
African Dwarf Frog
As we understand from its name, it’s certainly not a fish. But the frog species is lively and peaceful. It can be a good companion for the dwarf gouramis without disturbing them.
If there is any special care needed, it would be feeding them by hand. It’s quite easy, you just need to use a turkey baster to inject the food in front of them. However, it is not always the case. It depends on how other fish in the tank eat because the African dwarf frog is almost blind and hunts with its smelling sense. You can put the African dwarf frog in the tank if you want to have some diversity.
Otoclinus Catfish
This species of catfish can also be called oto, oto cat, or dwarf sucker. Oto fish are herbivores. They roam around your tank and cleanse it from algae. So it won’t be an issue to keep them together with the dwarfs since the dwarfs are omnivores. The catfish can adapt to the menu.
Oto fish is calm and peaceful. They will definitely not be a threat to your dwarfs. You can also keep just one of them without small or big groups.
Kuhli Loach
Kuhli Loach is an eel-like freshwater fish. They belong to the bottom-feeder fish species. Like other fish that match the dwarf gouramis, kuhli loach is peaceful and doesn’t require special treatment. But since it is a bottom-feeder fish, you have to make sure that the food you give reaches the bottom.
Kuhli Loach is nocturnal, so you won’t see them as much during the days. They like to hide and stay in the shades. It is best to keep your tank densely vegetated if you want to keep this eel-like fish. It’s also better to keep them in a large group. Around 8 or more would be great.
Mystery Snail
Tankmates for your gouramis are not limited to only fish species. Snails can also be an option. With another name Apple snail, this little friend can be perfect tankmates for your dwarf gouramis.
Mystery snails are very peaceful since they can only walk around and eat. It is also very easy to keep them, and no extra attention or treatment is needed. They eat algae which will help you clean the tank. Besides, they come in various beautiful colors. The snails can be a good option if you’re thinking of varieties in your tank.
What fish you can put as dwarf gourami tank mates? (Conclusion)
As you can see, there are many fish, and even other species, that are compatible companions for your dwarf gouramis. They just have to be peaceful and about the same size as your gouramis. But still, there are some things you need to keep in mind if you’re considering getting some of those fish companions.
First, your tank size. Some of those gouramis’ friends want to swim a long way, but some others don’t. Second, the amount of fish you’re getting. Schooling fish like Tetras, Harlequin rasboras, and glass catfish thrive best in groups. Other than that, it totally depends on you what species to pick as your dwarf gourami tank mates.
So, which tank mates do you think your dwarf gouramis will like best?
