No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Samurai Gourami
Sphaerichthys vaillanti
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Anabantiformes›Osphronemidae
📍 Kalimantan, Borneo
Rare and beautiful gourami with red and green striped pattern. A paternal mouthbrooder — the male carries eggs in his mouth.
Care Guide
Diet
Samurai Gouramis are omnivores that require a varied diet of high-quality small pellets, micro pellets, and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes. Supplement occasionally with blanched vegetables like zucchini to support digestive health.
Behavior
These are peaceful, shy fish that prefer dimly lit tanks with plenty of vegetation and hiding spots. They are mid-water swimmers that spend much time exploring plants and substrate. Males are territorial during breeding but generally non-aggressive toward other species; they communicate through subtle color changes and fin displays.
Breeding
Breeding Samurai Gouramis in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. Males are paternal mouthbrooders who incubate eggs in their mouths for 10-14 days; breeding requires pristine water conditions, live foods, and significant patience. Success requires experienced aquarists and specialized breeding setups with minimal disturbance.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful tetras that thrive in acidic, warm water matching Samurai Gourami requirements
Bottom-dwelling catfish that don't compete for space and prefer similar acidic water conditions
Small shrimp compatible with peaceful gouramis; provide dense plants for safety
Live plant that creates essential hiding spots and mimics natural habitat
Dense moss provides cover and breeding substrate while thriving in acidic, low-light conditions
Common Diseases
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, improve water quality, add aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons), and treat with antibacterial medication if severe
Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, use ich medication, and ensure good filtration and aeration
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, swollen belly, loss of appetite
Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, maintain pristine water quality, and use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication
Velvet Disease
Gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior
Reduce light exposure, raise temperature to 28°C, perform daily water changes, and treat with copper-free medication designed for gouramis
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Samurai Gourami to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- pH
- 4.0–6.5
- diet
- omnivore
- maxSize
- 2 inches
- minTankSize
- 15 gallons
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C