Will a third gourami help lessen aggression?

Question

In my aquarium are two gouramis (as well as a senegalus and a pleco but these fish both live in blissful ignorance of other fish). As often happens with a gourami pair, one has established itself as the dominant fish and the other is submissive (though he is often bold and uppity). They are both males.

I was wondering if adding a third gourami will help ease the aggression of the dominant fish, or if it would make things worse for the submissive fish.

(Overcrowding is not an issue here, it's a 20 gallon tank but I am soon upgrading to a 55 in a month or two. Just wondering about the behavior of the fish.)

Also, should I add another male gourami to avoid competition, or would it be safe to add a female?

Thanks for your answers.

Edit: Just wanted to add that I am aware of the size plecos and senegalus can grow to. At the moment the pleco is about three inches long and the senegalus is about four inches (the type of pleco I have grows to about two feet). While I know a 20 gallon tank is too small for both of them to share, I doubt that they'll grow to their full adult size within the two months or so before I get my 55 gallon tank set up.

Thank you though, for your concern. It is good to see people concerned about animals, even if they're fish.

Answer 1

Adding a third Gourami will just bring trouble to the lesser two. Also, you are greatly in danger of overcrowding your 20 gallon tank... Depending on the species of Plecostomus you have, it can reach more than 1.5 feet in length, and the Senegalus will reach nearly a foot... Get them into a 55 gallon tank as soon as possible... If you get rid of the lesser male, you could safely add one or two females, but two possible pairs of Gouramis is going to create a certain war zone where two fish will be battered (the lesser male and his mate)... Contact me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

Answer 2

It may, the submissive one may pair off with the new fish. Give it a try.

Answer 3

no,it might even be a bit more territorial fighting,but they dont usually hurt one another/just chase