How do I get my gourami to stop trying to attack my hatchet fish?

Question

I have 5 fish: an all-orange variety gourami (I don't know the actual type), a hatchet fish, two neon tetras, and an african dwarf frog. I have had these fish in the same tank for almost two months now. Within the past month or so, I've noticed that the gourami lunges at and chases the hatchet fish a lot. I've never seen him try to attack any of the other fish. Are gouramis normally aggressive? When I got him, it said "peaceful community fish." The hatchet fish is obviously stressed out from being chased around all the time. I also think the hatchet is afraid to eat around the gourami, because he seems to eat a lot less. Also, a small red spot has appeared on (or inside) his body. Is that a sign of a serious problem? Is there anything I can do to keep the gourami from attacking the hatchet? I'm really tight on funds right now, so I can't buy a new tank, and I really don't want to get rid of one of them. Please help. :(

Answer 1

Unfortunately many (if not most) of the gouramis are sold as "peaceful community fish" while they actually tend to be a bit aggressive. I had to ditch a couple of blue ones a dozen years ago for similar reasons.

That said, you might want to consider ditching the hatchet fish anyway. First, they are jumpers. Any opening on the tank and they'll find it far too often. Second, they prefer to be in schools of six or more and do get stressed out when forced to live singly. Holding onto it is just postponing the inevitable, imo.

Answer 2

Gouramis,especially the larger ones,are semi-aggressive. The hatchet fish swims in the upper part of the tank and eats food it snatches from the top or insects that are just above the water. The gourami thinks the hatchet fish is a possible treat. Hatchet fish are very delicate and jump out of the tank. This one may not last much longer.Hatchet fish should be in a school of 6 or more,not singly. Gouramis don't need others, You'll be better off without the hatchet.The neons should also be in a group of 6 or more with plants for hiding. They will soon be dinner,though.

Answer 3

I hate to say it but the only real option is to remove one of them from the tank. Once a fish starts nipping at another in the tank, youreally can't stop it. I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but it's the truth.

I would suggest you return or give away the hatchet fish. They like larger groups and don't do well alone anyway.

The small red spot could be the start of a disease or might be nothing at all. I would have to know a lot more to help you with that part of your question.

MM

Answer 4

Add a few more hatchet fish! Fish school for protection. It's easy for one fish (gourami) to chase one other fish (hatchet) but if you add more it becomes difficult for the gourami to keep track of which one he is chasing. If you only had one neon you possibly would have the same problem.