Sandra the fish rookie Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 I am working on starting to add fish to the 40G I would really like a centerpiece fish for that tank. But I would prefer something that will get along with guppies, corydora's, Plecos and Otto's fish. I have watched some many videos that I am beginning to overthink and overwhelm myself. I am a community tank kind of gal, so want a fish that would terrorize other friendly fish. Or, should I get larger schooling fish? IDK.. ugh.. What do some of you have? Pros and cons?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cohen Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 A dwarf gourami would be good. Also to have good cover for it because they can be territorial type fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schwack Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 I picked up a group of 3 pearl gourami (2f, 1m) for this purpose, and they were fantastic. They're large, beautiful, peaceful fish. However, after ~90 days their personality has completely changed. They hide all day, and flip out when they see people. Super odd behavior. They'd be my vote, even though my experience with them has been mixed! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colu Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 A pair of Bolivian rams would be a great choice they are one of the more peaceful dwarf cichlids 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laritheloud Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 I actually wouldn't recommend dwarf gouramis (though they're adorable and beautiful) only because I'm anxious about dwarf gourami iridovirus. I don't want to invite that heartbreak! Pearl gouramis would be great and very pretty. You can also try a pair of dwarf cichlids like a nannacara anomala, apistogramma, or ram. I'm mixed on angelfish, as popular as they are. Keyhole cichlids might work, too, and I hear they have a sweet disposition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra the fish rookie Posted June 25, 2021 Author Share Posted June 25, 2021 My other concern, is I will eventually have some guppies in there as the overflow from the 20G. I hear that there are some fish that get super annoyed by guppies. Anyone have Diamond Tetra's??? I saw a picture of those ones. Man what a pretty fish. @Colu would Bolivian rams be okay with guppies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom H Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 Honey gourami Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colu Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 They should be fine with adults guppys am not 100% sure whether they would eat the fry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laritheloud Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 (edited) On 6/25/2021 at 3:45 PM, Sandra the fish rookie said: My other concern, is I will eventually have some guppies in there as the overflow from the 20G. I hear that there are some fish that get super annoyed by guppies. Anyone have Diamond Tetra's??? I saw a picture of those ones. Man what a pretty fish. @Colu would Bolivian rams be okay with guppies? I have Diamond Tetras. Beautiful fish! They will look gorgeous in a 40. I started with six, they multiplied to nine. I'm surprised by how prolific and successful they are at breeding! I really do love them, and they're beautiful fish, but the males do spar amongst themselves (sometimes violently, it's normal for subdominant males to have some tatters in their fins) for breeding rights. Know what to expect and all will be well. 🙂 If you want diamond tetras (and if I were to start over), I'd go for at least 8 or 9 to start. ETA: They are completely peaceful with other fish and the sparring is limited to the males in the group. Edited June 25, 2021 by laritheloud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JettsPapa Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 I have 9 pearl gouramis in my 40 gallon breeder. It is heavily planted, which gives plenty of hiding places and sight breaks. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. I can almost always see at least 6, and sometimes all 9, hanging out at the front of the tank. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laritheloud Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 On 6/25/2021 at 4:09 PM, JettsPapa said: I have 9 pearl gouramis in my 40 gallon breeder. It is heavily planted, which gives plenty of hiding places and sight breaks. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. I can almost always see at least 6, and sometimes all 9, hanging out at the front of the tank. I remember your tank from FishLore! Absolutely love your pearls (from a fellow gourami lover). 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra the fish rookie Posted June 25, 2021 Author Share Posted June 25, 2021 @JettsPapa I have been reading that they are very skittish. The 40gallon is in the main living room and my house is open concept.. so there is always movement. My tank is quite planted but don't want them to hide all the time. Could I see a picture of your tank? I am hoping mine is planted enough. I mean I still have some time. I have Otto's and Panda cory's in QT so I have at least 3 weeks to research and confuse myself even more.. 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra the fish rookie Posted June 25, 2021 Author Share Posted June 25, 2021 On 6/25/2021 at 3:39 PM, laritheloud said: pair of dwarf cichlids like a nannacara anomala, apistogramma, or ram. @laritheloudI love all of these choices.. see that is my problem.. I just can't pick.. also not sure my LFS will have these so I would have to order them online which is totally fine. my only issue is if they breed (which I am not trying to do) and they become aggressive.. 😞 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sudofish Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 I have an electric blue acara in mine. It's been a great fish so far. Very active and always excited when somebody comes near the tank. I have a pearl gourami as well but it mostly stays in the back picking algae off of plants and it chases my rainbowfish relentlessly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra the fish rookie Posted June 28, 2021 Author Share Posted June 28, 2021 @sudofish Ohhh that is a really pretty fish! I think that would be very pretty in my 40 G breeder with my panda corydora's, Ottos, plecos and the occasional guppy from the 20G. Will a 40 Gallon be large enough for it to swim around? I watched videos where 55G are better for them? Maybe that is if they are kept with other cichlids? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sudofish Posted June 28, 2021 Share Posted June 28, 2021 @Sandra the fish rookieI think he'll be fine at least in my setup. He's the only cichlid. If it was something like the electric blue jack dempsey on the other hand I'd want a bigger tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JettsPapa Posted June 28, 2021 Share Posted June 28, 2021 On 6/25/2021 at 3:22 PM, Sandra the fish rookie said: @JettsPapa I have been reading that they are very skittish. The 40gallon is in the main living room and my house is open concept.. so there is always movement. My tank is quite planted but don't want them to hide all the time. Could I see a picture of your tank? I am hoping mine is planted enough. I mean I still have some time. I have Otto's and Panda cory's in QT so I have at least 3 weeks to research and confuse myself even more.. 🙂 Mine aren't at all skittish. I could probably catch them with a coffee cup. Here's a picture. (By the way, am I the only one that uses lights as drying racks for nets, scissors, etc.) 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gucci Gourami Posted June 28, 2021 Share Posted June 28, 2021 I have a pearl gourami as my centerpiece for my 40 gallon 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra the fish rookie Posted June 28, 2021 Author Share Posted June 28, 2021 @JettsPapa They are so pretty!! Would you think 1 or more than 1? I swear it will take me FOREVER to pick a centerpiece fish.. because all of the recommendations have been really good (Electric blue acara, Pearl Gourami, Honey Gourami Bolivian Rams, Apisto's).. all great recommendations. now I will just have to COMIT.. and DO IT.. 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JettsPapa Posted June 29, 2021 Share Posted June 29, 2021 On 6/28/2021 at 3:03 PM, Sandra the fish rookie said: @JettsPapa They are so pretty!! Would you think 1 or more than 1? I swear it will take me FOREVER to pick a centerpiece fish.. because all of the recommendations have been really good (Electric blue acara, Pearl Gourami, Honey Gourami Bolivian Rams, Apisto's).. all great recommendations. now I will just have to COMIT.. and DO IT.. 🙂 I probably wouldn't do less than 3. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sudofish Posted June 29, 2021 Share Posted June 29, 2021 I mean I guess I have 2 centerpieces? I do have a single pearl gourami as well as the EBA. My gourami is mean to the rainbowfish because he is very territorial and thinks he owns all the plants. He doesn't even come out to eat because he grazes all day on algae on the plants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taco Playz Posted June 29, 2021 Share Posted June 29, 2021 Paradise fish maybe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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