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FishadvancedFreshwater

Samurai Gourami

Sphaerichthys vaillanti

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygiiAnabantiformesOsphronemidae

📍 Kalimantan, Borneo

Ask Finn

Rare and beautiful gourami with red and green striped pattern. A paternal mouthbrooder — the male carries eggs in his mouth.

Size2"
Min Tank15g
peaceful
Zonemid

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.

Common Diseases

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

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)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, use ich medication, and ensure good filtration and aeration

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Cloudy eyes, open sores, swollen belly, loss of appetite

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, maintain pristine water quality, and use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication

Velvet Disease

Symptoms

Gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior

Treatment

Reduce light exposure, raise temperature to 28°C, perform daily water changes, and treat with copper-free medication designed for gouramis

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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

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists