Dwarf Flame Gourami is a nervous nelly

[Gramazing]

I've had him for a few days and I'm getting a bit worried. He spends most of his time going back and forth across the back of the tank trying to get out, at least when I'm around. When I've fed the fish he holds back so I haven't seen him eat much yet. Once I saw him swallow some food then spit it out. I have a clump of hornwart floating at one end of the tank which provides a bit of cover and there's plenty of artificial plants for him to hide behind. Is this normal for a gourami? What can I do to calm him down? Should I get some more hornwart? It's pretty ugly stuff.

[Paw Broon]

Mines is incredibly skittish too, i would say put plenty plants in for him to hide if you can as he will probably take to them nicely as mine has. And if it's only been a few days it will take him time to get used to you feeding him then he will probably recognise the hand of god and come out when you are feeding them. Is it flakes he is spat out? Some flakes are too big and they do that to break them up then eat them. Try not making too much noise around the tank either as this tends to spook them.

[Wild Turkey]

Hopefully hes still just adjusting to the tank, I would just keep an eye on him for signs or disease or sickness

Does your tank have a background? That can really help the fish feel more secure

[VoidParadigm]

Dwarf Gouramis are often reported to be more skittish than other species. My Dwarf still flares up his fins when I walk by the tank and hides if I do anything besides throw some food in. I've had him just under three months. This is opposed to my Gold who was handfeedable within a week of trying.

Just give him lots of places to hide, keep an eye out for disease just in case, and you should be fine. Either he'll come out more eventually when he starts getting hungry, or if worst comes to worst you could buy him some form of sinking pellet and drop it near him.

[Gramazing]

Thanks, I'll get some more plants for him to hide in tomorrow. I was going to do a water change tonight, I hope he doesn't die of fright.

[DrNic]

Gouramis can be a little skiddish when they join a tank. Places to hide will help calm them down initially. After a little bit they'll come out on their own. Just make sure they're eating. Sometimes they get nervous enough that they will stop eating after which they will only last a few days.

[robflanker]

my dwarf flame was skittish for like a week and now he is fine. trys to chew my arm whenever im rooting around in the tank