Can Dwarf gourami Live With Neon tetra?

The dwarf gourami carries a reserved recommendation for the community tank: it is both shy and territorial, and in a small tank it should be the primary inhabitant. The company it does best with is non threatening shoals of small peaceful fish, and commonly available tetras are listed among the suitable choices.

Water is straightforward, with 22 to 25 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 suiting both.

Two conditions make it work. Buy a single male, or a male and a female, and never two males unless the tank is very large, because males are hard on each other and on females. And keep the neons as a real school of 8 to 10, so no single fish draws attention. Plant heavily, add floating cover and a dark substrate, and leave the gourami shaded corners to hold. Gaudy, brightly coloured tankmates are what provoke dwarf gourami males; a neon shoal keeps to the middle water and to itself.