Thick-lipped Gourami Things

[Cinnebuns]

I have a 29 gallon tank which along with other fish has housed 2 male honey, 1 male thick-lipped and 1 female thick-lipped gourami for awhile. This morning I woke up and the female thick-lipped was dead. I initially figured the male will be ok without a girlfriend but he's been glass surfing most of the day. Is he maybe looking for her? Should I consider getting him a girl?

@laritheloud

[laritheloud]

He will likely be okay. I only have one honey gourami left right now -- my male -- and he's a bit shyer than he was with ladies in the tank, but he's actually become a very pleasant and curious fish and doing very well on his own. The breeding hormones made him want to chase a lot.

If you do choose to get more thicklips, it's honestly very difficult to sex them when they're very young and in the store. I tried to get 3 females and 1 male and ended up with 3 males 1 female; the others grew their fin extensions and male characteristics late. Just something to be prepared for.