25 Sparkling Gourami Tank Mates
Choosing the right gourami tank mates is a significant process. You have to consider the size, diet, temperament, and water conditions suitable for them.
Sparkling Gouramis are highly adaptable and easy to care for, they are a favorite among both novice and experienced aquarists. But the pressing question is, do they make good tank mates?
What Factors to Consider When Choosing Tank Mates?
When choosing tank mates for Sparkling Gouramis, there are several important factors to consider. You need to take into account the size of the other fish, as Sparkling Gouramis typically reach a length of 5 cm and should not be housed with fish that are significantly larger.
The behavior, dietary needs, preferred water conditions, and habitat preferences of potential tank mates should also be examined to ensure compatibility with the Sparkling Gouramis.
How Big Do Sparkling Gouramis Get?
Sparkling Gouramis are considered a small species of fish, typically reaching about 1.5 to 2 inches in length when fully grown. Their small size means they don’t require much space, making them a suitable choice for tanks of smaller capacity. Despite their stature, however, they are robust and can live with larger species if other compatibility factors are observed.
What Tank Size do Sparkling Gouramis Need?
Sparkling Gouramis, being small, peaceful fish, require a minimum tank size of 10 gallons for a pair. Most importantly, ensuring spacious accommodation is key to allowing these social creatures to interact positively with their tank mates.
What Kind of Temperament Do They Exhibit?
Sparkling Gouramis are generally peaceful by nature but can show signs of slight territorial behavior, especially during breeding times. They’re best classified into the semi-aggressive category due to these occasional territorial tendencies.
What Are Their Preferred Water Conditions?
Sparkling Gouramis thrive in warm, slightly acidic, and soft water. Their optimal temperature range is between 77 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5.
What Should You Feed Sparkling Gouramis?
Sparkling Gouramis are omnivorous, meaning they thrive on a diet rich in both plant-based and meaty foods. Variety is key, so ensure you feed them a mix of high-quality flake or pellet foods, combined with live or frozen offerings like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Also, make sure to include a good amount of plant matter like finely chopped spinach and broccoli to cater to their vegetation needs.
How Can Diet Influence Their Compatibility with Tank Mates?
Sparkling Gouramis are omnivores and primarily insectivores; if tank mates are not quick enough to eat or if they share similar diet, Sparkling Gouramis might monopolize the food, creating food competition.
How Active Are Sparkling Gouramis?
Sparkling Gouramis are moderately active fish, content with calmly exploring their environment. Unlike some species, they do not display constant high-energy behavior, nor do they typically engage in overly aggressive antics. Their activity levels tend to peak during feeding times or during moments of social interaction.
How Does Their Activity Level Affect Tank Mate Choices?
Sparkling Gouramis are moderately active fish that thrive when paired with similar or lower activity levels, promoting harmonious living conditions. Therefore, avoid selecting high-energy fish species, as they could cause stress and territorial disputes by outrunning or overwhelming the slower, more delicate Sparkling Gouramis.
What Type of Habitat Do Sparkling Gouramis Prefer?
Sparkling Gouramis come from slow-moving or stagnant waters with a dense growth of aquatic vegetation in their natural habitat, thus they favor a similar environment in aquariums. They thrive in tanks well-planted with tall as well as floating species that offer excellent coverage and hiding spots.
Incorporating driftwood, roots, and rocks can further simulate their natural settings and boost their comfort level, allowing for peaceful cohabitation with tank mates.
How Do Sparkling Gouramis Behave During Breeding?
When you observe the Sparkling Gouramis during their breeding period, they exhibit unique behaviors that can affect their compatibility with tank mates. Typically, the male Sparkling Gourami will construct a bubble nest where the female will lay her eggs.
During this period, they can become more territorial and aggressive which means suitable tank mates must respect their space and be able to handle occasional spats.
Best Tank Mates for Sparkling Gouramis
Below, you can find details of each species that makes good tank mates for sparkling gouramis.
1. Rosy Barb
The Rosy Barb is much loved by aquarists due to its vibrant color and playful nature. Its friendliness and peaceful demeanor make it an ideal choice as a Sparkling Gourami tank mate.
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (113 liters)
- Temperature Range: 64℉-72℉ (18℃-22℃)
- Care Level: Easy, making it suitable for beginners
- Temperament: Sociable and peaceful, always willing to interact
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, loves small live foods but will be just as happy with high-quality pellets or flakes.
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Remember, as much as the Rosy Barb gets along with the sparkling gourami, maintaining a spacious and well-aerated tank environment is crucial to their health.
2. Zebra Danio
The Zebra Danio, known scientifically as Danio rerio, is an excellent choice for your Sparkling Gourami tank. These vibrant fish are vivacious and friendly, making them ideal companions.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 15-20 gallons (57-75 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-80°F (22-26°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, loves to feed on small crustaceans, worms, insects, and plant matter
- Adult Size: 2-2.5 inches (5-6.5 cm)
Zebra Danios are quite hardy and well-suited to shared tank life. They enjoy a diet that replicates their native environments, often a mixture of plant matter and small creatures. Remember to maintain a stable and comfortable temperature for your Zebra Danio fish.
3. Glowlight Tetra
The Glowlight Tetra is a peaceful, little fish, breathtaking with its fiery orange stripe that glows like a beam in water.
- Compatibility: 4/5 – Ideal for community tanks
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) – They love space to swim
- Temperature Range: 74-82°F (23-28°C) – Tropical temperature suits best
- Care Level: Easy – Perfect for beginners
- Temperament: Peaceful – They generally co-exist peacefully with others
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – They enjoy a varied diet of dry, live, and frozen food
- Adult Size: 2 inches (5 cm) – They’re small in size, yet stunning in color.
4. Kuhli Loach
The Kuhli Loach, an interesting yet compatible option, brings a twist of extraordinary to your sparkling Gourami fish tank. They are nocturnal critters with intriguing behaviors.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) and above
- Temperature Range: 75-86°F (24-30°C)
- Care Level: Moderate. Frequent water changes and a densely planted tank provide a comfortable environment.
- Temperament: Peaceful. They prefer to stay hidden during the day, adding a delightful surprise at night.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous. They enjoy live, frozen, and flake foods. Supplement their diet with sinking pellets due to their bottom-dwelling nature.
- Adult Size: Approximately 4 inches (10 cm). Remember, they love to burrow, so softer substrates like sand are ideal.
5. Guppy Fish
A popular choice among aquarists, Guppy fish make excellent Sparkling Gourami tank mates. Thanks to their docile nature and undemanding care, they can cohabit beautifully with Gouramis.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 10 gal (38 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 72-78°F (22-25.5°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous
- Adult Size: 2 in (5 cm)
Despite their small size, Guppies are remarkably vivid, bringing color and dynamism to your aquarium. They flourish best in well-decorated tanks with plenty of plants. Lastly, they enjoy a varied diet, appreciating both vegetable-based foods and protein-rich treats.
6. Otocinclus Catfish
The Otocinclus Catfish, often called “Oto Cat”, is the perfect cohabitant for your Sparkling Gourami.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5. They’re peaceful creatures, getting along easily with other tank mates.
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters). Otos need space for optimal comfort.
- Temperature Range: 72-79°F (22-26°C). They prefer moderately warm environments.
- Care Level: Moderate. Extra attention should be given to water quality and feeding.
- Temperament: Peaceful. They prefer to hang out near the tank bottom, minimizing conflict.
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivore. Otos are algae-eaters, i.e., efficient tank cleaners!
- Adult Size: 2 inches (5 cm). They’re small but mighty when it comes to fitting into your aquarium ecosystem.
7. Ember Tetra
The Ember Tetra is a fiery little fish that lights up any aquarium with its vibrant red-orange color.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gal (38 liters)
- Temperature Range: 73-84°F (23-29°C)
- Care Level: Intermediate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous. Enjoys small foods like micropellets, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
- Adult Size: up to 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Their peaceful nature and striking color make them excellent tank mates for your Sparkling Gourami. However, keep in mind that Ember Tetras prefer slightly acidic water and thrive in well-planted tanks.
8. Glass Catfish
Glass Catfish are unique species that add a touch of transparency to your aquarium. These exotic fish aren’t territorial, making them a peaceful addition to your tank.
- Compatibility: 5/5. They thrive best when they’re amongst their own kind and maintain a harmonious relationship with most tank mates including the sparkling gourami.
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters). These swimmer fishes need ample space for movement.
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C). They prefer warm water conditions to live comfortably.
- Care Level: Moderate. A bit of expertise and attention goes a long way.
- Temperament: Peaceful. Glass Catfish seldom pick fights with other fish types.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore. They need to be fed with small live or frozen foods.
- Adult Size: 2.5-3.1 inches (6-8 cm). They’re small fishes that are perfect for medium-sized aquariums.
9. Black Neon Tetra
The Black Neon Tetra is a peaceful freshwater species that makes a spectacular tank companion for Sparkling Gourami. Its contrasting neon-blue and black horizontal lines set off against a silver-white under belly, contributing a vibrant luster to your aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4/5. They are sociable, best kept in groups of six or more.
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters). It likes swimming in the middle to upper tank levels.
- Temperature Range: 68-77°F (20-25°C). They enjoy a slightly acidic environment.
- Care Level: Easy. Perfect for beginners and expert aquarium keepers alike.
- Temperament: Peaceful. They prefer calm tank environments.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous. Feed them a variety of flake, pellet, and live foods.
- Adult Size: Up to 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) in length.
Their friendly and serene nature brings an extra splash of tranquility to your aquarium.
10. Neon Tetra
If you’re looking for a decorative touch to your Sparkling Gourami’s tank, the Neon Tetra is a terrific choice. This tiny fish will not only cohabitate peacefully with your Gourami, but its beautiful neon stripes will enhance the visual appeal of your tank.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore. Enjoys a mix of flakes, small granules and daphnia.
- Adult Size: 1.2 inches (3 cm)
Can you imagine the scintillating sight of your glistening Gourami swimming around with dazzling Neon Tetras? Create an ocean of stars in the comfort of your home with these celestial swimmers.
11. White Cloud Mountain Minnow
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow brings a cool, tranquil presence to Sparkling Gourami aquariums. Hailing from fast-flowing streams of China, these fish in a peaceful demeanor and have a penchant for smaller, bite-sized diets.
- Compatibility: 4/5. They glow with social adaptability and peacefulness.
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gal (38 L). They swoop joyously in larger space.
- Temperature Range: 64-72°F (18-22°C). They thrive in mild to cool environments.
- Care Level: Easy. Their hardiness complements beginners delightfully!
- Temperament: Peaceful. They add a harmonious vibe in your tank setup.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivores. Enjoy live, freeze-dried and flake foods. Provide variety for nutritional balance.
- Adult Size: Up to 1.5 inches (4 cm). Their compact size makes them ideal for different tank sizes.
12. Bristlenose Pleco
The Bristlenose Pleco is a fantastic tank mate for your Sparkling Gourami. They are a peaceful, hardy, and efficient clean-up crew.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (114 liters)
- Temperature Range: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, they enjoy green vegetables and high-quality sinking pellets
- Adult Size: 4-5 inches (10-13 cm)
These gentle titans are nocturnal, preferring to scout the tank in twilight hours. Their feeding habits help to control algae levels, keeping the tank environment cleaner and healthier for your Gouramis. The Bristlenose Pleco is not only a beneficial addition to your setup, but will provide character and charm to your underwater world.
13. Rummy-Nose Tetra
Rummy-Nose Tetras are a darling choice for a Sparkling Gourami tank mate. They favor slow water flow similar to Gouramis, encouraging harmonious cohabitation. With striking red heads and contrasting zebra-pattern tails, these schooling fish create a vibrant, lively environment.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Temperature Range: 75-81°F (24-27°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys a healthy mix of dry flakes, granules, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Feed twice daily.
- Adult Size: 2-2.5 inches
Try introducing a group of 6 or more; smaller numbers tend to stress this social species. Remember to add hiding spots for added comfort. Keep water-changing consistent to ensure healthy living conditions.
14. Molly Fish
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 20-30 gal (75-113 liter)
- Temperature Range: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore
- Adult Size: 2-4 inches
As a peaceful dweller, Molly Fish is exceptional for the Sparkling Gourami’s tank. It’s known for its easy care level with quite the friendly temperament. They inhabit a temperature range of 75-80°F (24-27°C), and their suitable tank size ranges from 20-30 gal (75-113 liter).
Growing between 2-4 inches, Molly Fish are omnivorous, enjoying a variety of both plant-based and protein-rich foods. Take note, however, that although they’re highly compatible, observing the fish’s behavior after introduction is always recommended.
15. Harlequin Rasbora
A standout among peaceful aquarium inhabitants, the Harlequin Rasbora is an excellent choice to coexist with your Sparkling Gourami. With their flashy tri-color bodies, these fish bring extra dazzle to your tank.
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-81°F (22-27°C)
- Care Level: Easy, ideal for beginners
- Temperament: Peaceful and sociable
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, accepting a wide range of food from flakes to live feed. Regular feeding times.
- Adult Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Harlequin Rasboras often move in small schools, providing enchanting displays for your aquarium. Their carefree nature and easy maintenance make them an undeniable asset to your fish community.
16. Scarlet Badis
The Scarlet Badis, an eye-catching, small species, offers a burst of color to your tank. With a peaceful, calm temperament, they cause minimal stress to their mates and make a perfect addition to your Sparkling Gourami tank.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful and calm
- Diet & Feeding: Primarily Carnivorous. They enjoy small live foods such as daphnia and insect larvae. You can also include high-quality flake food and frozen dried food.
- Adult Size: 0.8 inches (2 cm)
Their small size and vibrant coloration are mesmerizing. Plus, they don’t require much space. Provide plenty of hiding places and introduce a varied diet for optimal health.
17. Cherry Barb
The cherry barb is a vibrant, must-have for your gourami tank. With their fiery red coloration, these peaceful, yet active swimmers add a splash of vibrancy to any aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 20 gal (75 liters)
- Temperature Range: 73-81°F (23-27°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous. They appreciate a variety of flakes, pellet food and occasional live and frozen foods for nutritional diversity.
- Adult Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Notorious for being shy, cherry barbs appreciate densely planted tanks with ample hiding spots. Perfect companions to your gouramis, they thrive best with similarly peaceful species. However, ensure the school size is kept to a minimum to reduce intimidation and promote a stress-free environment.
18. Pearl Danio
Pearl Danio, also known as Danio Albolineatus, is a stunning aquatic species. Here’s a breakdown of their specific requirements.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5. Pearl Danios prefers to be in shoals of six or more.
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 liters) for best comfort.
- Temperature Range: 68-77°F (20-25°C), making it adaptable to a variety of environments.
- Care Level: Easy. It’s a hardy fish and is great for beginners.
- Temperament: Peaceful. They’re non-aggressive and cohabitate well with similar-sized tank mates.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, fine with flake food and occasional treats of live or frozen delicacies.
- Adult size: Approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in length. They add a sprinkle of sparkling beauty to any fish tank.
Pearl Danios are equally at home with beginner and experienced aquarists alike.
19. Platy Fish
Platy Fish, a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts, bring vibrant colors to your gourami’s watery world. They’re low maintenance and cohabitate well with gouramis, ideal for a peaceful tank environment.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 10 gal (37.85 liter)
- Temperature Range: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – provide a mix of plant-based and meaty foods
- Adult Size: up to 3 inches
Remember, while Platy Fish are easy to care for, they do have their own specific needs. Be mindful of these to ensure a healthy, thriving habitat for them and their Sparkling Gourami tank mates.
20. Endler’s Livebearer
Endler’s Livebearer is a small and vibrant fish species that will surely add a dash of color to your tank. They are known for their peaceful demeanor, making them a great addition to any Sparkling Gourami tank.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Temperature Range: 78–86°F (25–30°C)
- Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; will eat a mixture of vegetable-based and protein-based foods. Require feeding several times a day due to their small size.
- Adult Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
Just be mindful that they’re a bit active, so larger tanks are more ideal. They’re fairly easy to care for, which makes them great for beginners to fish keeping. This fish’s compatibility rating with Sparkling Gourami is pretty high, suggesting they can live harmoniously together.
21. Celestial Pearl Danio
The Celestial Pearl Danio, with its mesmerizing, galaxy-inspired color palette, is a captivating addition to your Sparkling Gourami aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (37.85 liters)
- Temperature Range: 73-79°F (22.8-26.1°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, enjoys flake food, frozen, and live daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: 0.8 inches (2 cm)
This brilliant creature provides an effortless compatibility with Sparkling Gourami, nurturing coexistence. Despite their small stature, these colorful species hold a commanding presence. They take well to flake food and live daphnia, prioritizing a mixed diet.
A temperature range accommodating for the celestial’s subtropical roots ensures vitality. With proper care, these occupants promise a celestial dance in your tank.
22. Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish are among the best companions for your Sparkling Gourami. These catfish come in a multitude of color variations, and their peaceful nature blends well with Gouramis.
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous (relish sinking pellets, but also enjoy live and frozen foods)
- Adult Size: 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters)
Corydoras Catfish are bottom dwellers, but they occasionally rise for a breath of air. They can help keep your tank clean by foraging for leftover food on the substrate. Remember, they’re schooling fish, so aim to have a group of them for a balanced and happy tank.
23. Threadfin Rainbowfish
Threadfin Rainbowfish is a pacific tropical species that can live harmoniously alongside Sparkling Gouramis. These fishes colorfully add a whole new dimension to your community tank. The unique fin display of Threadfin Rainbowfishes brings a sense of the wild to your aquarium ecosystem.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters)
- Temperature Range: 76-80 F (24-27 C)
- Care Level: Intermediate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; Provide a mix of dry and live food. Small crustaceans, insect larvae, zooplankton, and quality flake foods are recommended.
- Adult Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
Even though care level is at intermediate, don’t let that deter you. With appropriate care and a zest for aquatic life, Threadfin Rainbowfish can be a striking addition to your Sparkling Gourami’s life.
24. Cardinal Tetra
Cardinal Tetras are serene fish with vivid red and blue stripes streaking across their bodies. Originating from South America’s freshwater rivers, they embellish your tank with stunning color.
- Compatibility: 4/5 – Cardinal Tetras are very peaceful and get along well with other community fish.
- Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons (75 liters) – These tiny fish love to swim, so they appreciate space.
- Temperature Range: 73-81°F (23-27°C) – Try to mimic the warm water conditions of their natural habitat.
- Care Level: Easy – Great for beginners due to their high adaptability and undemanding care.
- Temperament: Peaceful – They’re sociable beings that suit a community tank.
- Diet & feeding: Omnivorous – They’re happy with both plant matter and meaty foods.
- Adult Size: 2 inches (5 cm) – Despite being small, they have a big impact through their vibrant colors.
Inevitably, the Cardinal Tetra’s vibrancy and easy care make it a gem in any Sparkling Gourami’s tank.
25. Pea Puffer
The Pea Puffer, a small and vibrant fish species, is a sight to behold in any aquarium. They’re unique creatures loaded with personality, adding a touch of living color to your tank.
- Compatibility: 2 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum of 5 gallons (around 19 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-82 °F (22-28 °C)
- Care Level: Moderate. They need a well-maintained tank and varied diet.
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive. They can get feisty with tank makes and have a habit of nipping fins.
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous. They need a diet rich with live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
- Adult Size: Up to 1.4 inches (approximately 3.5 cm)
Due to their semi-aggressive nature, they’re not the best choice for a community tank with timid or slow-moving species.
