i came home from the pet store today with a couple of female bettas (they were so beautiful i could not resist!) i'd like to take a stab at breeding after the wedding is over with, and i'm reading up on that from earlier posts, but that's besides the point...

i put the two females in my community tank for now and they are doing fine with the other fish, except my dwarf gourami is getting a little curious. he isn't nipping or chasing them, but he'll swim below them, and while looking up, outstretch his left feeler and touch her, then put it down and do the same with his right feeler. then he swims away.

it's so darn funny i've been laughing all afternoon. it looks like he's copping a feel then taking off. i just wanted to make sure it's not going to turn into anything aggressive. anyone have any idea why he's doing this?

Gouramis and bettas are from the same family, anabantids, so they are always very aware of each other. Depending on the females dispositions after they get settled in it could get mean between them so keep a watch for that.

thanks, i will watch them closely to make sure

I think I've read of cases where a male gourami was 'in love' with a female betta and vice versa. Just keep a good eye on them and make sure no one gets hurt. If your gourami remains as placid as he is being and your girlies don't decide to be evil then you'll probably be okay.

ooo girlys are always mean, even when their married, keep a close eye lol !!!

i've been watching them since yesterday and the gourami isn't so curious anymore. he did use his feelers again today while i was at work and my fiance said the female betta just casually edged around him and moved to the other side of the tank. the girls are just blowing him off and don't seem to care so far.