[Neil D]

I'm not sure if this goes here, but I'll leave it to the mods to move it.

Anyway, for my 38g tank, I'm planning on 3 pearl gouramis and 15-20 cardinal tetras. I really like red tail sharks. (http://www.petsolutions.com/images/Products/62510.jpg)

After reading up on them, I realized they're incredibly territorial. Do you think on shark would be an issue in this tank? What other things should I keep in mind about red tails?

Thanks (and sorry for the broad question)!

 

[SeaHorse]

Hi Neil
According to our profiles "Red Tailed Shark", it should have a 48" long tank and can live up to 15 years in the proper conditions. Attains 5" in length. I believe it also should be the only Shark in the tank. I understand Gourami can also be aggressive toward each other, certainly when kept in smaller tanks...even my 2 Pearls would not tolerate each other in my 75 Gallon. I did not consider adding more as my understanding also is 1 Gourami to a tank.
I am very curious to hear other's experience and advice to you.
Hope this helps.

 

[Neil D]

Ah well it seems like a red tail is out...my tank is a bit too small. Oh well.

From my research, aquadvisor, and others on this forum, 3 pearls seems a-okay. I'll see how it goes, of course. Thanks!

 

[jennesque]

3 pearls might be OK if you get like two females and one male..I know you can do this with dwarf Gourami.. Not sure about pearls. I don't think they're very friendly.. You could get a small school of chocolate gourami, I believe..
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[Byron]

The Pearl is not a bad gourami, given its larger size; I agree that a trio (one male, two female) could work, or should, or a pair if lots of cover is provided.

Chocolates are lovely, but require very specific water and stability, as it notes in the profile. Tankmates must be carefully chosen, and suited to warmer temps for these fish.

Byron.

 

[jaysee]

I keep a school of 6 pearl gouramis. They very much appreciate the company of their own kind.

Like was mentioned, I think the tank is a bit small for the shark. The sharks you are thinking about are in the barb family, by the way

 

[Neil D]

Whoops. TIL (Reddit reference haha)

Anyway, yup, I remember about the gouramis. I did read about chocolates and immediately realized their params are too narrow. I am planning on one male and 2 females, but my LFS seems to carry solely females! Do you think there'd be any issue with 3 females? (AHH I'M CHANGING THE TOPIC! Sowwy)

 

[jaysee]

No, there shouldn't be any problem. I've seen tank fulls of just females myself - I believe it. Perhaps wait for a new shipment to get a male.