At first glance, it can be challenging to differentiate between a male and female dwarf gourami due to their similar appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The physical differences are subtle in young dwarf gouramis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, as they reach adulthood, specific physical and behavioral differences make it relatively easy to distinguish male dwarf gouramis from females.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given below are some of the differences between adult male and female Dwarf gouramis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coloration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Male dwarf gouramis have bright colors than females.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Males generally have a blue or black coloration on the face, abdomen, and throat that remains constant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the contrary, female dwarf gouramis are duller. They’re primarily silver in color and look more subdued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dwarf gouramis are known for their tiny size. Their average size is around 3.5 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In general, male dwarf gouramis grow a little larger than females.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The average size of most dwarf gouramis is around 3 inches, with females being a little smaller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Body Shape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Males and females of this species differ from one another in their body shapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Male dwarf gouramis are slightly shorter and slimmer than females.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Males also have angular bodies than females, who have rounder bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This difference becomes more evident when female dwarf gouramis are conditioned for breeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their belly sticks out due to eggs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fin Shape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Another telling sign that differentiates male and female dwarf gouramis is their dorsal fins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They have significantly different dorsal fins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Male dwarf gouramis have long dorsal fins that taper to a point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, females have shorter dorsal fins that are rounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aggression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Male](\"https:\/\/jaljeev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/male-dwarf-gourami-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou can differentiate male dwarf gouramis from females by their behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Males are more aggressive than females. Male dwarf gouramis are intolerant toward other males.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, keeping two males together in the same tank isn’t advisable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They will fight with each other till one of them gets injured severely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Females, on the other hand, are relatively docile and usually don’t get aggressive until the living conditions in the aquarium deteriorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Territorial<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Male dwarf gouramis are known for their territorial aggression. Although docile, they’re highly protective of their territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They often fight or chase away other fish that try to invade their territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Female dwarf gouramis, on the other hand, are less territorial compared to males.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They tolerate each other and can co-exist with other females in the same tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breeding Behavior<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Another thing that differentiates male dwarf gouramis from females is their breeding behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Male dwarf gouramis build bubble nests for mating and spawning purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also take care of the eggs and the young ones till they start free-swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Females, on the other hand, don’t build a bubble nest. Neither do they take care of the eggs once they’re laid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can A Male And Female Dwarf Gourami Live Together?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Male and female dwarf gouramis can live together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s the most common way of housing them, especially if you wish to breed them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou can differentiate male dwarf gouramis from females by their behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Males are more aggressive than females. Male dwarf gouramis are intolerant toward other males.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, keeping two males together in the same tank isn’t advisable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They will fight with each other till one of them gets injured severely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Females, on the other hand, are relatively docile and usually don’t get aggressive until the living conditions in the aquarium deteriorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Territorial<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Male dwarf gouramis are known for their territorial aggression. Although docile, they’re highly protective of their territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They often fight or chase away other fish that try to invade their territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Female dwarf gouramis, on the other hand, are less territorial compared to males.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They tolerate each other and can co-exist with other females in the same tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breeding Behavior<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Another thing that differentiates male dwarf gouramis from females is their breeding behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Male dwarf gouramis build bubble nests for mating and spawning purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also take care of the eggs and the young ones till they start free-swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Females, on the other hand, don’t build a bubble nest. Neither do they take care of the eggs once they’re laid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can A Male And Female Dwarf Gourami Live Together?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Male and female dwarf gouramis can live together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s the most common way of housing them, especially if you wish to breed them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n