Shy Tricogaster?

[Bodhi]

I have a pair of young adult three spots I've had for more than a year. Within the last four weeks, they've begun to hide at the bottom of the tank amoung the vegetation, not coming out for anything except to feed. Even then, they're very skittish, darting back into the undergrowth or trying to jump out of the tank when I barely move near them. This is very unusual behavior for this ordinarily docile pair. I used to be able to feed them by hand!

Thier water is pristine, they're in a quiet place, get along with tank mates, and live in a heavily planted natural aquarium.

What gives?

[Hankdan]

I have a three spot blue gourami that I've had for a year and a half, and I have the same problem. It hides in the plants most of the time, comes out to feed, and dashes for cover as soon as someone enters the room. Sorry I don't have any suggestions, but just thought I would tell your that your fish behavior does not seem to be unusual for this species.

[donvichu]

Blue gouramis are known to become skittish if there are bigger tank mates with them.