Gourami are unsuitable for the general hobbyist. Generally regarded as peaceful, gouramis are still capable of harassing or killing smaller or long-finned fish. Depending on the species, adult and juvenile males have been known to spar with one another. Aggression can also occur as a result of overcrowding. Gouramis have been housed with many species, such as danios, mollies, silver dollars, Neon tetras, and plecostomus catfish. Compatibility depends on the species of gourami and the fish it is housed with. Some species (e.g. "Macropodus" or "Belontia") are highly aggressive or predatory and may harass or kill smaller or less aggressive fish;
Pygmy gourami Pygmy gourami The pygmy gourami ("Trichopsis pumila"), also known as the sparkling gourami, is a freshwater species of gourami native to Southeast Asia. Pygmy gouramis can reach a length of SL. In color, they sparkle with red, green, and blue hues, and can produce an audible croaking noise using a specialised pectoral mechanism. In the right light, its eyes appear bright blue, and its arrowhead-shaped body and caudal fins reflect a rainbow of colors as it swims. Sexing is difficult, but males have red spots above the "body line" or the stripe through their body, and females spots are duller.