Gouramis come in all sizes and colors. They can make any freshwater aquarium more beautiful. Having other species in the aquarium makes the environment more stunning and entertaining.
Determining which fish can live together can be tough. Hobbyists must consider the fish’s temperament, size, diet, and care needs.
Fortunately, many fish and invertebrates work well with gouramis.
1. Other Gourami
The best tank mates for gouramis are other gouramis. There are some guidelines to consider because gouramis can be somewhat territorial.
Only keep one male per tank — several females can live in a tank together.
Hobbyists can mix various gourami species under a few conditions. The tank must have ample space and decorations for the individuals to hide from one another. The gouramis must be similar sizes, and only one male should be in the tank.
For example, don’t mix a dwarf gourami with an opaline gourami. They are significantly different sizes.
2. Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
- Compatibility Rank: 10/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: Up to 2 in (5 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 73-82°F (23-28°C)
- pH Requirements: 6.0-7.5
- Swimming Level: Middle to top
- Temperament: Peaceful
Harlequin rasboras are one of hobbyists’ favorite fish. They have active natures and bright colors. Their skin has a silvery base with a light orange glow overtop. At the back of the body is a black, triangular-shaped blotch.
Rasboras are an excellent choice to go with gouramis because they are friendly and not nippy. They are active schooling fish. Their swimming patterns make aquariums more interesting without stressing the gourami(s). Keep them in groups of at least six to see the most activity.
Harlequin rasboras enjoy similar environments to gouramis. They prefer slow-moving water with lots of aquatic vegetation.
3. Chili Rasboras (Boraras brigittae)
- Compatibility Rank: 8/10
- Care Level: Moderate
- Size: 0.6-0.8 in (1.5-2.0 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- pH Requirements: 4.0-7.0
- Swimming Level: Middle to top
Chili rasboras are some of the smallest fish available for freshwater aquariums. Despite their small size, gouramis aren’t likely to bother them. They are peaceful, stay out of the way, and are quick enough to escape occasional nipping.
These rasboras are stunning fish with light orange bodies. Many individuals have bright orange and black blotching.
They are schooling fish that prefer to be in groups of at least six. In schools, their colors stand out even more, making them fascinating to watch.
Chili rasboras are a bit more difficult to care for than harlequin rasboras. They need pristine water conditions and are sensitive to changes.
4. Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi)
- Compatibility Rank: 10/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 1-1.5 in (2.5-3.8 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 73-79°F (22.8-26.1°C)
- pH Requirements: 6.0-7.0
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Temperament: Peaceful
Neon tetras are famous for their silvery bodies with neon red and blue splashes. Despite their small bodies, they stand out well in any aquarium.
Unlike many tetras, neons are peaceful, not nippy, and do well in most community aquariums. They are fast enough to escape gouramis’ occasional nippiness. Such behavior is rare, as gouramis usually leave the tetras alone.
5. Glowlight Tetras (Hemigrammus erythrozonus)
- Compatibility Rank: 10/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 1.5 in (3.8 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 74-82°F (23.3-27.8°C)
- pH Requirements: 5.5-7.5
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Temperament: Peaceful
Glowlight tetras are one of the most peaceful and colorful species of tetras. They are ideal tank mates for gouramis since neither species will bother the other.
These tetras have silvery bodies. A thin horizontal line of orange-red runs down their bodies. The silver and orange make them look like they’re glowing, especially at night.
These tetras are schooling fish that must live in groups of at least six. They are active critters that display interesting schooling behaviors.
6. Cherry Barbs (Puntius titteya)
- Compatibility Rank: 10/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 2 in (12.7 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 72-80°F (22.2-26.7°C)
- pH Requirements: 6.0-8.0
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Temperament: Peaceful
Cherry barbs are one of the most peaceful barb species, making them ideal to live with gouramis. They are also one of the most colorful barbs, with their deep red bodies and fins with black hues.
These barbs are active schooling fish. They create a beautiful display in any community tank.
While they enjoy swimming around the tank, they are not fast enough to stress the gourami(s).
7. Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus vitreolus)
- Compatibility Rank: 9/10
- Care Level: Moderate
- Size: 5 in (12.7 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 30+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
- pH Requirements: 6.5-7.0
- Swimming Level: Middle
- Temperament: Peaceful
Glass catfish aren’t as common in aquariums despite their unique appearance. Their bodies are transparent, exposing the bones and organs beneath.
Unlike most catfish, glass catfish are not bottom dwellers. They swim in the middle of the water column.
These catfish feel most comfortable in schools of six or more, as they are timid fish. They spend most of their time hiding behind plants when not swimming.
Glass catfish have long, delicate barbels that protrude from their faces. Gouramis will not usually bother glass catfish, though it’s possible. Watch out for any nipping that may damage the catfish’s barbels.
8. Platies (Xiphophorus maculatus)
- Compatibility Rank: 10/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 2-3 in (5-7 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 70-82°F (21-28°C)
- pH Requirements: 6.8-8.5
- Swimming Level: Middle to top
- Temperament: Peaceful
Platies are popular for their many bright colors and patterns. They are smaller than mollies and swordtails, with stockier bodies and short fins.
Platies are livebearers; they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Move pregnant platies to a separate tank to have their young. Gouramis are opportunistic and will eat the platy fry.
9. Mollies (Poecilia sp.)
- Compatibility Rank: 10/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 2-8 in (5.1-20.3 cm) — varies by species
- Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 70-78°F (21.1-25.6°C)
- pH Requirements: 7.0-8.5
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Temperament: Peaceful
Mollies are larger than platies and come in their own unique colors and patterns.
Most have long bodies with large, flowing fins. The balloon molly has a short body with a large abdomen.
Mollies are about the same size as gouramis. While they are peaceful fish, they can stand up to the gourami’s occasional nippiness.
They are also hardy fish that can adjust to many water parameters and are ideal for beginners.
Like platies, mollies are livebearers. Hobbyists should move pregnant females to a separate tank if they don’t want the fry to become a snack.
10. Betta Fish (Betta splendens)
- Compatibility Rank: 9/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 5+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 75-81°F (23.9-27.2°C)
- pH Requirements: 6.5-7.5
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Bettas are one of the most popular fish among beginners and experts alike. Their shimmering colors and large, elegant fins make them enticing.
Gouramis and betta fish live in similar habitats and like the same water conditions. Their needs are almost identical, making them one of the easier tank mates to keep with gouramis.
11. Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.)
- Compatibility Rank: 10/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 1-5 in (2.5-12.7 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
- pH Requirements: 6.0-8.0
- Swimming Level: Bottom
- Temperament: Peaceful
Corydoras catfish are a favorite among freshwater hobbyists. They are popular for their variety, helpfulness, and friendly personalities.
Cory cats come in several colors and patterns to add variety to any tank.
They are schooling fish that feel more comfortable in groups of at least six. Corydoras are more active in groups. The groups display schooling behaviors that are fun to watch.
As bottom dwellers, Corys stay out of the way of gouramis. Hobbyists don’t need to worry about their gourami(s) bullying the catfish.
Corydoras are even helpful in keeping the tank clean. They are scavengers that feed on leftover fish food and detritus on the substrate.
12. Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris)
- Compatibility Rank: 10/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 4 in (10.2 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 20+ gallon
- Temperature Requirements: 72-79°F (22.2-26.1°C)
- pH Requirements: 6.0-7.5
- Swimming Level: Bottom
- Temperament: Peaceful
Upside-down catfish are fascinating because they swim upside-down, which is truly unique. Researchers aren’t quite sure why they do it, though it’s entertaining to watch.
Like other catfish, they are bottom dwellers. They spend their time grazing on the underside of plants and driftwood.
These catfish have light brown bodies with thick, dark brown vertical bands. Shimmery white speckles cover their bodies, and their eyes are bluish.
These peaceful bottom-dwellers are good with gouramis since they avoid each other.
13. Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus spp.)
- Compatibility Rank: 10/10
- Care Level: Moderate
- Size: Up to 2 in (5.1 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 15+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
- pH Requirements: 6.8-7.5
- Swimming Level: Bottom
- Temperament: Peaceful
Otocinclus catfish are some of the smallest, most peaceful, and cutest freshwater fish. These catfishes’ bodies are white with large dark brown to black blotches.
These little suckermouths stick to the sides of the tank and help clear the glass of algae. They spend much time hiding, and feel most comfortable in groups of at least five.
The downside to these fish is that they are more sensitive to water quality than most. They may not be the best option for those new to fishkeeping.
14. Bristlenose Plecos (Ancistrus cirrhosus)
- Compatibility Rank: 8/10
- Care Level: Moderate
- Size: 3-5 in (7.6-12.7 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 30+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 60-80°F (16-27°C)
- pH Requirements: 6.5-7.5
- Swimming Level: Bottom
- Temperament: Peaceful
Bristlenose plecos are beautiful fish that make good substitutes for common plecos.
Common plecos grow enormous, and many new hobbyists buy them by mistake. Bristlenose plecos stay on the smaller size and won’t bother gouramis, as they remain at the bottom of the tank.
These plecos have dark brown to black bodies with golden speckles over their scales and fins. Hard, armor-like scales protect them from any nipping the gourami(s) might try to do.
The issue with plecos is that they eat a lot and produce a lot of waste.
While they are algae eaters, they need a regular diet of bottom-feeder food.
The accumulation of their waste can be dangerous for the other fish in the tank. Install an above-average filter to handle the increased waste load.
15. Kuhli Loaches (Pangio kuhlii)
- Compatibility Rank: 9/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 3-5 in (7.6-12.7 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 20+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 74-80°F (23.3-26.7°C)
- pH Requirements: 5.5-6.5
- Swimming Level: Bottom
- Temperament: Peaceful
Kuhli loaches are eel-like fish with smooth bodies, slender heads, and tiny whiskers. Some are all black, while others have alternating yellow and dark brown bands.
These nocturnal, bottom-dwelling fish will never bother the gourami(s). They are most active at night. when the gouramis are resting.
During the day, they spend most of their time hiding amongst rocks and crevices.
Kuhli loaches are timid and peaceful — they won’t pose a problem even if out during the day.
Kuhli loaches are fun to watch swim around with their interesting, elongated bodies. They are schooling fish; keep them in groups of at least six to keep them most active. The group will emerge at night and zoom around the tank in quick patterns.
These loaches are also excellent for controlling pest snail populations.
16. Zebra Loaches (Botia striata)
- Compatibility Rank: 9/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 3-4 in (7.6-10.2 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 30+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 73-79°F (22.8-26.1°C)
- pH Requirements: 6-7.5
- Swimming Level: Bottom
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Zebra loaches are slightly bulkier than kuhli loaches and have more aggressive tendencies.
They usually do well with gouramis; gouramis are large enough to handle nippiness. It’s rare that these two species will ever come in contact since zebra loaches are bottom dwellers.
These loaches have black and white vertical stripes that resemble zebras. They are easier to see than kuhli loaches, even when hiding.
17. Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)
- Compatibility Rank: 9/10
- Care Level: Moderate
- Size: 2 in (5.1 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 72-78°F (22-25°C)
- pH Requirements: 7.2-7.5
- Swimming Level: Bottom
- Temperament: Peaceful
Amano shrimp are one of the largest shrimp species available for freshwater aquariums. Their bodies are translucent to white with tan speckling and dark brown blotches.
Amano shrimp are stronger and more assertive than ghost shrimp. While ghost shrimp may do okay in a tank with gouramis, Amano shrimp are the better option.
These larger shrimp are efficient algae eaters. While they won’t completely rid a tank of algae, they do a great job of keeping it manageable.
Keeping any kind of shrimp with gouramis is risky as they are likely to nip at the shrimp and try to eat them. Amano shrimp are the best choice.
Amano shrimp are large and robust enough to handle some nippiness. While these shrimp are too large to eat, gouramis can do some damage to their legs and antennae.
18. Dwarf Crayfish (Cambarellus spp.)
- Compatibility Rank: 9/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 1.5-2 in (3.8-5.1 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 60-75°F (15.6-23.4°C)
- pH Requirements: 6.5-8.0
- Swimming Level: Bottom
- Temperament: Peaceful
Dwarf crayfish have small bodies that are not much larger than freshwater shrimp. Their little bodies look like lobsters, and they have a hard shell to protect themselves.
Crayfish have beady black eyes and antennae to sense their surroundings. Some have translucent gray-green bodies with dark spots, while others are orange. It depends on the species.
These crayfish are bottom feeders who prefer to hide most of the time. They appreciate having lots of live vegetation and leaf litter to feed on and hide inside.
Dwarf crayfish are ideal for beginners. They are hardy and can handle many environments. They are also adept at adapting to changing parameters.
The important thing to remember is that dwarf crayfish are only that: dwarves.
They are smaller than normal crayfish. Large crayfish are highly dangerous in aquariums, as they’ll eat all the fish.
Dwarf crayfish aren’t large enough to eat gouramis and usually stay out of their way. We don’t recommend keeping dwarf crayfish in the same tank with small tetras, rasboras, betta fish, etc.
19. Mystery Snails (Pomacea bridgesii)
- Compatibility Rank: 10/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 2 in (5.1 cm) in diameter
- Aquarium Size: 5+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 68-84°F (20-28.9°C)
- pH Requirements: 7.5-8.5
- Swimming Level: Everywhere
- Temperament: Peaceful
Mystery snails are great for almost any freshwater aquarium. They don’t produce much waste; they even help rid the aquarium of algae and leftover fish food.
Mystery snails are relatives of apple snails. They stay much smaller than apple snails and are easier to handle.
They carry around hard shells that protect them from semi-aggressive fish. The shells come in several different colors to spruce up the tank.
The trouble with mystery snails is that they can breed when males and females are in the tank. Fortunately, the eggs are easy to get rid of for those that don’t want babies.
20. Nerite Snails (Neritina natalecnsis)
- Compatibility Rank: 10/10
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 1 in (2.5 cm) in diameter
- Aquarium Size: 5+ gallons
- Temperature Requirements: 72-78°F (22.2-25.6°C)
- pH Requirements: 7.0-8.5
- Swimming Level: Everywhere
- Temperament: Peaceful
Nerite snails come in many patterns that make them interesting to watch. Two of the most popular are the zebra and leopard nerite snails. Zebras have yellow and dark brown stripes on their shells, while leopards have spots.
Many aquarists prefer nerite snails to mystery snails because they won’t reproduce. Nerite snails must be in brackish water to reproduce. Since most keep them in freshwater aquariums, this isn’t an issue.
Nerite snails are also better algae eaters than mystery snails.
What Are Gouramis?
Gouramis are from the family Osphronemidae, the same family as betta fish. Like betta fish, gouramis have a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air at the surface.
Both fish live in the same type of environment where the water has little flow or is completely stagnant. Since the water has little oxygen, the fish compensate by breathing air from the surface.
Gouramis live in the tropical waters of Eastern and Southern Asia. They live across Pakistan, Thailand, China, Vietnam, the Malaysian Archipelago, Japan, and Korea. They mainly inhabit the shallow waters of streams, marshes, swamps, and wetlands.
What Makes Good Gourami Tank Mates
There are several factors to consider when choosing good tank mates for gouramis.
The temperament of the fish is one of the most important things. The fish should be peaceful, though not small enough for the gouramis to bully. Tank mates must be able to live in the same water conditions as gouramis, and they need enough room to swim.
Temperament
Gouramis are generally peaceful fish. Males get territorial with one another, especially during mating time. While two males shouldn’t live together, they do fine with other fish species.
Gouramis make great tank mates due to their peaceful personalities. They do well with most other peaceful fish that are of similar sizes.
Despite being mostly friendly, gouramis can be nippy and opportunistic. Keep an eye on them and ensure they aren’t nipping at tank mates with longer fins.
Likewise, consider moving pregnant mollies and platies to a separate tank. Doing so keeps the fry safe when they’re born. Gouramis won’t hesitate to make a quick snack of fish fry. They may try to eat small shrimp species — avoid cherry and ghost shrimp.
Avoid large, aggressive fish that can harm the gourami(s). Gouramis are slow-moving fish that have trouble getting away from bullies. Avoid fin-nippers for the same reason.
Gouramis are slow-moving, timid fish. Avoid highly active fish likely to stress out the gourami(s).
Water Parameters & Temperature
The most important thing to consider when choosing tank mates is the fish’s needs. The care needs of potential tank mates must overlap with those of the gourami.
Fish with differing care needs should not live with gouramis. The fish will suffer — or die — if forced to live in unsuitable conditions.
A gourami’s habitat should have the following water conditions:
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: <40 ppm
- pH: 6.8-7.8
- Carbonate Hardness: 3-5 dKH
- General Hardness: 3-8 dGH
- Water Temperature: 75-80°F (23.9-26.7°C)
Tank Size
It’s important to have enough space for the gourami(s) and all their tank mates.
Smaller gouramis can live in 15 gallons. Smaller species include honey, dwarf, sparkling, and croaking gouramis. Add at least 10 to 15 extra gallons when adding tank mates. Depending on the type and number of tank mates, an even larger tank may be necessary.
Larger gouramis need at least 30 gallons for a species-only tank. Some larger species include blue, pearl, gold, moonlight, and opaline gouramis. Add at least 15 extra gallons when adding tank mates, depending on the species.
Kissing gouramis grow exceptionally large. They need at least 55 gallons for a species-only tank. Add more space when keeping tank mates.
Diet
Hobbyists must consider their fish’s diet when choosing tank mates.
It’s often better to pick fish with differing diets to prevent competition. Gouramis are slow eaters that need time to consume their meals.
Most gouramis are omnivores that eat tropical fish foods. Flakes and pellets designed for tropical fish should make up most of their diet.
Kissing gouramis are herbivores that need plant-based foods. Occasional treats of freeze-dried, frozen, or live food give a boost of nutrition.
Fish that are too fast may not leave enough food for the gouramis, and they could starve. In these situations, hobbyists may need to get creative during feeding time.
Sprinkle some food in different areas of the tank to decrease competitiveness. Temporary dividers can also be helpful to feed gouramis on their own.
Decorations
Try to mimic the gourami’s natural environment as much as possible to keep them comfortable.
Driftwood and Indian almond leaves release tannins. Tannins produce a blackwater effect similar to their natural habitats.
Keep the current low and stock the tank with plenty of live vegetation. Live vegetation is highly important for the security of gouramis.
Choosing tank mates who enjoy a similar environment keeps every species happy.
Can you have different types of gourami living together? Like could I have 2 honey gouramis and 2 pearls?
Do grammies need a heated tank?
I have a 29 gallon bowfront aquarium with 1 powder blue gourami, and looking for tankmates. You’re article was very very helpful. Thank you so very much.
I have a 34 gallon tank with
2 male dwarf Gouramis
2 Albino Cory doras
2 Peppered Cory doras
2 Sterbra Cory doras
2 sucking catfish
2 Guppies
4 Silver fin tetras
3 Rummy nose tetra
These all live happily together. I am looking for something else to put with them.
I feed my top feeders in the morning and my bottom feeders at night.
My Gouramis are peaceful and get along with all the others and swim peacefully around the whole tank. The only thing I noticed is when I put the very first feed of blood worms in my tank. My blue coral gourami sat on top of them and wouldn’t allow any other fish near them. I now spread the blood worms around the tank so all can have a small feed.