Pearl or Thick-Lipped Gourami?

[Sixo]

My vote goes to Pearls but wouldn't keep.a single one.

Any reason why not a single?

Starting to feel guilty now about having a boy by himself, my tanks not big enough for a group unfortunately.

[DoubleDutch]

I've kept Pearls always in pairs and think they are quite social fish (exceptions) which feel more secure with company of their own species.

We humans often decide to keep (social) fish single cause we can't provide enough space to show their sometimes boisterous behaviour (Angels for instance). To me one simply shouldn't keep these fish then. But that's my personap opinion.

[Sixo]

My original intention was to keep them as a peaceful pair but it didn't work out. if I find someone with a bigger tank with group of them I'll maybe let them have him if not he's pretty chilled where he is.

[Sixo]

Well the boy is away to a 4ft tank with several pearls and floating plants aplenty, shame because I did like him but probably a much happier home for him in the long run.

[DoubleDutch]

Well done !!!!!

[Sixo]

I'm starting to feel like an aquatic version of the dogs trust, wanting to know what people's level of experience is and what what their tanks looks like

[VikingMummy2015]

No bad thing mate. I couldn’t have let my previous tank go unless it was somebody experienced. I’ve also refused a tank sale when the guy was there with the cash because it was a 29L tank and he told me it was for overwintering some goldfish .

[Gingerlove05]

I'm starting to feel like an aquatic version of the dogs trust, wanting to know what people's level of experience is and what what their tanks looks like

I did that with the platy/plat-tail/swotty fry. The good thing is only people seriously interested and who care will take the time to get back to you

[Sixo]

I think it's great when you rehome something and people send you a wee photo and let you know they're getting on alright. I think it's just the responsible thing to do to make sure they go to good homes, especially with all the stress that comes with transporting them.

Sometimes people just don't have any idea what they're getting into with fish care, it's a bit of a balancing act trying to advise someone without them taking it the wrong way.

I think most people who really stick it out in the hobby for any length of time are the ones who have made mistakes and are willing to learn from them.

I might let my floating Hornwort grow for a bit and possibly get a few Honey Gouramis down the line but will probably take a wee step back and focus on a re-scape re-scape, just enjoy the fish I've got for now.