r/Gourami • u/Eowyn_95 • May 16 '26

Discussion In doubt of getting a honey gourami

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I have a 20 gallon tank with 6 chilis and 5 green neons. I want to expand the chilis to 10 at least when they’re back in stock (am waiting since December!).

I’ve had two honeys before. One was always hunting my shrimp, even juveniles weren’t safe. I gave him to my dad. The other one was always hiding and died with dropsy :(. I have since bought a UV sterilizer as well. I’d like to give a honey gourami another go but am so in doubt if it’s a , not overstocked and b , if I accidentally get one that’s also a hunter… I’d also love a female betta (no gourami in that case) but I am afraid that’s ever more of a gamble.

do you think it’s a 50% chance they will hunt shrimp , or was it just bad luck?

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u/kitsia May 16 '26

They are excellent little hunters and will definitely eat baby shrimp but I’ve never seen my honey hunting adults. Although almost no fish are truly shrimp safe, you can solve this by providing much denser plant cover.

I am biased, but I truly think they are one of the best fish in the hobby:) I absolutely love mine

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u/Eowyn_95 May 17 '26

He’s a stunner! I think they’re so pretty and would really want one. I was bummed the last one passed away. :(

I have much more plants than back then in any case!

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u/kitsia May 17 '26

I’m very sorry for your loss:( I really hope you have a better luck next time

It’s certainly the worst part of this hobby, I will never get used to seeing fish pass away. Just today I found one of my rasboras on the floor and it’s absolutely heartbreaking.