Hello fish lovers and well-wishers! Today we are going to talk about dwarf gouramis in the open. And as minute as they can be, they do come with surprises and a personality too.
For those of us in the fishkeeping industry, whether they are new or experienced, we have something amazing in store for them.
Just pick up your virtual snorkel and let’s look at these 7 Interesting Facts About Dwarf Gourami in the aquatic environment!
1. They’re the Pocket-Sized Cousins of Giants
Let’s start with size. The dwarf gourami is precisely what it sounds like – the vertically challenged relative of the gourami family.
Some members of this family can reach up to one foot in length but these are usually at most two inches long. Yes, this means they are the compact form of their larger relatives!
But don’t let their small stature fool you. These fish pack a whole lot of character into their tiny bodies.
They’re like the teacup poodles of the fish world – small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but with enough attitude to fill a room.
Dwarf gouramis are some of the best buddies for you if you inhabit a cramped studio or are just starting with fishkeeping; this is because they come in small sizes suitable for small aquariums meaning you can keep them even in the tiniest spaces that can barely hold a big tank.
2. They’re Breathing Rebels
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Dwarf gouramis are part of a group of fish called labyrinth fish.
That doesn’t mean they’re good at solving mazes (although that would be pretty cool).
It means they have a special organ called a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air directly from the surface.
These little fish can breathe air just like us. They seem undecided between being fish and land animals hence adapting both.
Hence they can survive in low-oxygenated waters where other fish may not do so.
You may notice that your dwarf gourami occasionally swims up to the surface for some air.
This doesn’t mean that they are trying to run away or plan on taking over the world (at least we hope not). It’s their strategy for getting more oxygen in. Impressive, isn’t it?
3. They’re Color-Changing Artists
When you believe dwarf gouramis are only about looks, well… not quite! These little fish remind one of swimming or living mood rings.
What colors they would not depend on are various factors, such as mood, health, and even lighting conditions in the tank.
Male dwarf gouramis usually wear bright red and blue in their natural form; a look that often resembles readiness for a fish fashion event.
Women, on the other hand, tend to be more conservative -they come up with silvery browns.
In fact, it is simply incredible that through selective breeding, aquarists have developed a wide range of varieties.
You can see these small creatures in bright blue, sunset red, and light blue, and also have them in a mix of red with white by what they call flame dwarf gourami fish.
They are like hosting a live, breathing art gallery in your tank!
But remember, their colors aren’t just for show. A sudden change in color, especially if your gourami starts looking pale or washed out, could be a sign that something’s not quite right.
So keep an eye on those hues – your fish’s colors are like their own personal health meter!
4. They’re Bubble Nest Builders
Get ready for this – male dwarf gouramis are the architects of the fish world. When it’s time for a ladyfish, these guys don’t just rely on their good looks.
Oh no, they go all out and build elaborate bubble nests at the water’s surface.
A male gourami blows bubbles and arranges them into a foamy fortress using a special sticky saliva.
It’s as though a miniature underwater builder is at work. At times, these bubble nests can be quite magnificent, stretching across multiple inches on top of the water
But why go to all this trouble? Well, these bubble nests serve as the perfect nursery for baby gouramis.
After the female lays her eggs, the male will carefully place them in the bubble nest, where they’ll be safe and sound until they hatch.
Watching this bubble-nesting behavior is not only appealing but also tells you that your male gourami is in good health.
Thus, you should not worry when you observe your little lad blowing bubbles at the water’s surface because they are indications of well-being while preparing for future fishy generations.
5. They’re Gourmet Eaters with a Twist
You might think that being small means having a limited palate, but dwarf gouramis are here to prove that assumption wrong.
These little gourmands have quite a diverse appetite, and their eating habits might surprise you.
In natural surroundings, dwarf gouramis are omnivores and will eat almost everything they come across.
Their diet includes small insects, larvae as well as other plant materials. They kind of conduct themselves as if they are in their small buffet that is beneath the water.
Dwarf gouramis have a unique way of catching their food. They almost appear to use little fishing rods for this purpose because, using their long, thread-like pelvic fins as sensory organs, they grope around for palatable bits of food.
This is the point at which the topic becomes even more fascinating.
In an aquarium setting, these fellows aren’t picker eater as well. They eat any foods from flakes, pellets, freeze-dried to even some blanched vegetables.
However, Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or blood worms really get them charged up which is the same feeling as if you are offering them a gourmet meal!
6. They’re the Introverts of the Fish World
If dwarf gouramis were at a fish party, they would likely be the ones standing by themselves in the corner, avoiding small talk.
They tend to be more introverted, preferring their own company over that of the other fish.
In the wild, dwarf gouramis are known for looking at places with a lot of vegetation or other things that can be used as shelters.
Despite not being antisocial, these fish value their privacy so much. It is as if they possess undersea homes.
Their shy personality works best when they are kept with other fish in a calm environment. They do not appreciate boisterous tank pals or rapid water flow.
Picture them as the calm neighbors who only wish to relax and observe the algae development.
But don’t mistake their shyness for boring. When they feel safe and comfortable, dwarf gouramis can be quite active and curious.
7. They’re Masters of Disguise
Now, you might be thinking, “How can such a brightly colored fish be good at hiding?” Well, dwarf gouramis have a trick up their fins that might surprise you.
In their natural habitat of slow-moving streams and rice paddies in India and Bangladesh, dwarf gouramis use their coloration as camouflage.
The blue and red stripes that make them so attractive in our aquariums help them blend in with the shadows and dappled light in their heavily planted homes.
Imagine them donning suits made of nature itself! This camouflage helps them to evade enemies and get near to their meals.
I mean, that is a pretty smart fish this size of your thumb, don’t you think?
If you plant a lot of plants and make some hiding places in your aquarium, you may observe such a behavior.
Sometimes your dwarf gouramis can vanish within a blank period but appear back upon feeling secure or during their feeding time. It’s just like hiding from fish all the time!
Final Thought for Interesting Facts About Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf Gouramis add more to your aquarium than just color. They are not just fascinating creatures with complicated behaviors but also exhibit impressive survival capabilities and lovable characters.
These little fish have a lot to offer whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist. They truly are an example or evidence that good things can come in small packages sometimes.
So, the next time you see a dwarf gourami, take a moment to appreciate all the amazing qualities packed into that tiny, colorful body.
They might be small, but they’re full of surprises – and that’s what makes them such fantastic aquarium inhabitants.
