can you keep MALE gouramis alone - or do you need to keep them with females?

[Bubble_B0y]

can I keep 1 single male pearl gourami, or do they need to be with a female pair?

also, will a male gourami still "display" his colours and finnage without a female?

 

[rich311k]

One alone is just fine, my male is single and he looks great.

 

[NoMoreGoldFish]

If you do decide to pair them up, you'd need a spare tank to put the female in because they need to be separated if they spawn. The male will go nuts protecting the eggs.

 

[Morgie]

I have two male gouramis (in different tanks) and they are happy and healthy. I tried keeping them together originally, but they had clashing personalities haha.
They both have the gorgeous colors and finnage that male pearl gouramis are known for. :>