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Original poster

What has attacked my gourami?

12 replies

Marne · 02/11/2013 12:24

My gourami has what looks like a bite out of him ( though could be some kind of injury or bacteria infection ), he was hiding quite a bit yesterday but havn't seen anything attack him, I don't have anything huge in the tank, just live bearers ,plec's and a red fin shark ( young one ). Any ideas?

OP posts:
EauRouge · 02/11/2013 14:34

My money's on the shark, they are very aggressive- when did you get him?

Original poster
Marne · 02/11/2013 16:01

Got the shark about 6 weeks ago, havn't seen him chase any fish, seems to keep himself to himself, silly aquatic shop sold him to me and said he would be fine with my other fish. Just went to another aquatic shop and got some treatment for my tank as one of my guppy looks as though he might have fin rot ( but maybe he's also being nipped by the shark? ), will keep a close eye on him and if he doesn't behave he will be going to a new home. Not sure if my gourami will survive, he's not looking great.

OP posts:
EauRouge · 02/11/2013 16:08

Oh dear :( RTBS are usually OK as juveniles but as they get older, get more aggressive. He will prob try to eat your guppies too once he gets big enough. Always best to do your own research and not rely on aquatic shops for advice!

What are your water readings?

Original poster
Marne · 02/11/2013 16:15

Water reading are all fine, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 10' ph 7.5.

I bought the shark as part of a offer in local fish shop, bought 10 fish of £15 ( or something like that ), bought him the same time as I bought mollies and swordtails. He has more than doubled in size since I got him but still has a lot of growing to do, I have seen them in community tanks so thought he would be ok ( I know I should have researched first, it was one of those silly buys ).

OP posts:
EauRouge · 02/11/2013 16:29

Can you take him back then? They are OK in communities if you house them with fish that won't take any shit or end up as snacks. So not a general 'community' fish like most tetras and barbs, but they don't have to be kept totally alone.

Original poster
Marne · 02/11/2013 16:32

I might try and off load him on my friend, I think she just has barbs in her tank.

OP posts:
EauRouge · 02/11/2013 16:33

What sort of barbs?

Original poster
Marne · 02/11/2013 16:43

I'm not sure, I think they might be cherry barbs. If she won't take him then I'm sure I will find someone who will have him.

OP posts:
EauRouge · 02/11/2013 17:09

Cherry barbs will be a no go, they are too shy and are snack size to a fully grown RTBS. He'll need to be housed with something large and feisty, and no bottom feeders or other shark species.

Original poster
Marne · 02/11/2013 21:36

RIP Mr Gourami Sad

Still not sure if it was a bite or a ulcer, up until today he seemed healthy, was feeding well last night ( love the noise he made when he grabbed food).

OP posts:
EauRouge · 03/11/2013 07:22

Sorry about your gourami. If you're unsure whether it was a bite or an ulcer then I would leave it a good while before getting any more fish.

Original poster
Marne · 03/11/2013 10:40

Thanks Eau, I don't plan on getting anymore anyway (tank is fully stocked and every now and then I get fry), started treating the tank yesterday so if there is any bacterial infections in there it should get sorted (I hope). Feeling Sad about the gourami though as he was one of my favourites (other than my plec's) and it was so sudden. Will be keeping a close eye on the shark and finding him a new home before he gets too big.

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