Are Gouramis just not very hardy?

[waxlyrical]

I have a mature tank with mostly rainbow fish in which I've had for years. They never seem to get ill. A few weeks ago I added a dwarf gourami he is now looking very drably coloured and poorly. Years ago when I had one of these fish before the same happened. Thing is I love them but I wonder if our hard water is to blame. I don't want to get another one if this is the problem as its not fair. Does anyone know if its likely to be this or if they are, perhaps, just a bit overbred and not very hardy? Water parameters fine by the way and tank not overstocked.

[EauRouge]

There are a lot of sub-standard dwarf gouramis around and a lot of them are already infected with a virus when they are shipped over. They do prefer soft, acidic water but hard water shouldn't affect them that badly. What are your water readings? What other fish do you have apart from the rainbows? If you're dead set on getting one then I would see if you could track down a breeder rather than getting a farmed one.

There's an article about the virus here.

[waxlyrical]

Thanks for the advice and the article. I think I will avoid getting another as the symptoms my poor fish has are exactly as described and identical to the last one we lost. I don't want to make the problem worse by supporting the trade in them. I Just hope my swordtails and rainbows haven't caught a species transferable version of it!

[EauRouge]

I don't think they can get it, I've not heard any reports of it transmitting to other fish (if it is the gourami virus). Quarantining always helps to prevent diseases getting into your existing stock.

If you've got hard water and you want something colourful then maybe have a look at peacock gobies. I used to have a pair, they are ace little fish.

[waxlyrical]

They look beautiful Eau I will look into getting a pair of them instead. Thanks