Dwarf rods are highly appreciated by aquarists who like intense and varied colors in their tanks. These little fish have been winning our hearts for several decades. However, if you think that a small body shows little needs, you are very wrong. Little gouramis are sensitive and demanding.
Dwarf gourmand – origin
Dwarf gourmand originates from Asia. Under natural conditions, you can meet it in calm and quite shallow waters in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Rod fish – what do they look like?
The female dwarf girdle is slightly smaller than the male. Its body length usually does not exceed 6 centimeters, and its color can be described as silver-gray. Males grow to about 8 centimeters. They have larger fins (caudal and dorsal) and are definitely more interestingly colored. Species present in farms include:
- blue stamen;
- honey rod;
- ruby rod;
- red barn.
Dwarf gourmand – disposition
Fish of this species are very calm and usually do not come into conflict with other inhabitants of the aquarium. Potential aggression can only arise in the event of overfilling and when the tank is too small for these fish.
The purchase of many of this species at once is not recommended by aquarists. Dwarf gouramis are social, but feel bad in large herds. A pair or a harem of male and 2-3 females would be a good choice.
The dwarf girdle is equipped with a labyrinth, so it can also breathe atmospheric air. It lives in the middle of the reservoir, but you can very often see it approach the water surface.
With whom can the dwarf rodent live?
Fish of this species can be kept in general tanks and social tanks. It should be noted, however, that despite their timid disposition, males can be territorial, especially during the spawning season. Other gourami and fish, which are characterized by intense coloration, are particularly vulnerable to his anger.
Dwarf gourmand should form the basis of the stocking. It will feel good in the company of smaller shoal fish, preferably those that live in other parts of the reservoir. As neighbors, the following will prove useful:
- dwarf loaches;
- cuirass;
- islands;
- razbora hengela;
- rapids;
- dwarf shrimp.
Peaceful cichlids are also possible. However, you should only consider such a solution when you have a really large aquarium tank at your disposal.
Dwarf gourmand – what kind of aquarium does it need?
A pair of dwarf rods will feel best in an aquarium with a capacity of at least 54 liters. These fish like densely planted aquariums with diffused light. It is advisable to have a large number of hiding places and floating plants that will give these shy fish peace and safety.
In nature, fish of this species live in quite calm waters. That is why it is worth using rather calm currents in the aquarium. Also take care of the water parameters! The optimal conditions are:
- 22–27 degrees Celsius;
- 6–7,5 pH;
- 5 to 15 dGH hardness.
Remember that dwarf gouramis are labyrinthine fish. This is why their aquarium shouldn’t be completely covered with a lid, but you shouldn’t give up on it either!
Water changes should be small but frequent. Replace 10 to 20% of the total once a week.
Dwarf gourmand – feeding
Like all fish, dwarf gourds require a balanced and varied diet. Feeding them, however, shouldn’t cause you many problems. They are omnivorous fish that will settle for good quality food in the form of granules or flakes.
The menu should, however, be supplemented with live or frozen food. Mosquito larvae or bloodworm will work well.
Rodent fish – reproduction
Dwarf rods can be successfully reproduced in breeding conditions. If the fish have good conditions in their aquarium and are properly nourished, they will breed by themselves. Most aquarists, however, recommend preparing a separate nest box, i.e. a breeding aquarium.
Spawning tank
The best option is a 40-liter tank with a shallow layer of water. 15-20 centimeters is enough. The temperature in it should be 28 degrees Celsius. Spawning does not always happen. Success will be more likely if there are many small-leaved plants in the tank. You will need the floating ones. Put the peat on the bottom of the tank.
Just before spawning
Fish should receive plenty of live food before spawning. If the female becomes thicker around the belly, you can transfer her and her partner to a separate tank. J.If the spawning is successful, the male will start building the nest. During this time, he may be aggressive towards the female.
Spawning rods
When the nest is ready, the fish will spawn. It is a very spectacular dance, during which they bend, dance and touch each other with their mouths. When the female gives off the eggs, the male fertilizes it and transfers it in its mouth to the nest. Up to 700 fertilized eggs can appear at a time.
At this stage, you can catch the female to the main tank. It is the male who will look after the eggs and guard the nest. If spawning occurs in a general tank, it will effectively drive away all aquarium inhabitants, including its recent partner.
The appearance of the fry
After about 36 hours, the nest breaks down and the larvae emerge. The fry are fed with special gel food or powdered fish food. Until the digestive sac is exhausted, the male can stay in the aquarium with hundreds of his newly hatched babies.
Dwarf gourmand – price
These little fish can be purchased from most aquarium stores. You can also find them on exchanges and farms or at private people who breed fish at home. The price usually does not exceed PLN 5.
Dwarf gourmand – summary
Dwarf rods are very pretty little fish. They are shy and territorial at the same time, so their aquarium must be arranged in such a way as to provide them not only with space, but also with safety.
Fish of this species feel best in pairs. It is not recommended to keep them either alone or in large flocks. They will be an excellent decoration for a medium tank.