Can Dwarf Gourami live with Electric Yellow Lab?
Case-by-case. Watch group sizes, tank size, and feeding zones.
Why Dwarf Gourami and Electric Yellow Lab Don't Make an Easy Pair
They can coexist, but you need to manage the setup carefully. The temperament combination (peaceful+semi-aggressive) can work, but you will need to watch them at feeding time for the first week.
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
| Adult Size: | 3.5" |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Tank: | 20 gal |
| Temperature: | 77-82°F |
| pH Range: | 6.5-7.5 |
Electric Yellow Lab
Labidochromis caeruleus
| Adult Size: | 4.0" |
| Temperament: | semi-aggressive |
| Min Tank: | 30 gal |
| Temperature: | 75-82°F |
| pH Range: | 7.8-8.6 |
Water Parameter Overlap
| Parameter | Dwarf Gourami | Electric Yellow Lab | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 77-82°F | 75-82°F | 5°F ✓ |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 | 7.8-8.6 | No overlap ✗ |
Compatibility Breakdown
Temperament Match: peaceful + semi-aggressive. Semi-aggressive → watch territory and feeding.
Score: 70/100 (GOOD ≥80, CAUTION ≥50, RISKY <50).
🔧 Tank Setup Requirements (for Both)
- Minimum tank: 30 gallons — sized for the larger fish in the pair.
- Temperature: keep it between 77°F and 82°F.
- pH: no shared range. One species will be outside its tolerance regardless of what you set.
- Hiding spots: essential for Dwarf Gourami — caves, plants, or driftwood to retreat when feeling stressed.
- Water changes: 25% weekly minimum. Two species mean double the bioload.
🔧 Tank Stocking Calculator
Enter tank size to calculate safe stocking levels:
Recommended Equipment
Based on tank size 30+ gallons:
Small pellet food for African cichlids
Explore Related Checks
See what else works with these fish:
⚠️ Common Reasons This Pairing Fails in Practice
- Overcrowding: Even compatible species fail in tanks that are too small. Double the species means double the bioload — 25% weekly water changes are the minimum.
- Inadequate acclimation: Adding both species on the same day without quarantine is a common mistake. Always drip-acclimate new arrivals and quarantine for 2–4 weeks.
Tools & Resources
Accuracy note: This tool uses expert rules + FishBase.org data. Individual fish behavior varies — a peaceful individual Dwarf Gourami may act differently from its species average. Always observe, quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks, and avoid overcrowding. If a pairing says CAUTION, start with a smaller group and a lid.