"Enhance your aquarium with the stunning Samurai Gourami! These rare, peaceful fish add elegance with their unique coloration and intricate fin patterns."

Overview: The Samurai Gourami (Sphaerichthys vaillanti) is a rare and striking freshwater fish hailing from the peat swamp forests and slow-moving streams of Borneo. Known for their intricate fin patterns and unique coloration, Samurai Gouramis are highly sought after by aquarists. These peaceful fish thrive in well-maintained tanks with specific water conditions that mimic their natural habitat. While they require careful attention, their beauty and gentle nature make them a rewarding addition to a well-planned aquarium.

Appearance:

• Coloration: Samurai Gouramis are distinguished by their beautiful color palette, typically featuring shades of brown, red, and blue with intricate patterns on their fins.
• Body Shape: They have a slender, elongated body with rounded fins. Their dorsal and anal fins are particularly ornate, adding to their elegance.
• Size: Samurai Gouramis grow to about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in length.

Water Conditions: To ensure the health and well-being of Samurai Gouramis, maintain the following water conditions:

• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C).
• pH Range: 4.0-6.5.
• Water Hardness: 1-5 dGH.
• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group. Larger tanks are preferable to provide stable water conditions and ample swimming space.

Tank Setup: Creating an ideal habitat for your Samurai Gouramis involves several considerations:

• Substrate: Use dark, fine gravel or sand to mimic their natural peat swamp environment.
• Decor: Include plenty of live plants such as Java moss, Anubias, and floating plants to provide hiding spots and reduce light levels. Driftwood and leaf litter can also help simulate their natural habitat.
• Filtration: Use a gentle filter, as strong currents can stress these fish. Sponge filters or hang-on-back filters with adjustable flow are ideal for maintaining water quality without creating excessive water movement.
• Lighting: Low to moderate lighting is preferred to mimic the shaded conditions of their natural habitat.

Tank Mates: Samurai Gouramis are peaceful and can coexist with other similarly peaceful fish. Choose tank mates carefully:

• Compatible Species: Other small, peaceful fish such as small rasboras, tetras, and other non-aggressive gouramis. Small, peaceful bottom dwellers like Corydoras catfish and certain dwarf shrimp can also be good tank mates.
• Incompatible Species: Avoid larger, aggressive fish or fin-nippers like barbs and cichlids that can harass or harm Samurai Gouramis.

Feeding Habit: Samurai Gouramis are omnivores with a preference for a varied diet. Providing a balanced diet is crucial to keep them healthy and vibrant:

• Staple Diet: High-quality flake food or pellets designed for small, tropical fish.
• Supplements: Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to enhance their coloration and health.
• Vegetables: Occasionally provide blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them 1-2 times a day in small portions to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Care and Maintenance: Regular care and maintenance are crucial for the well-being of your Samurai Gouramis:

• Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of 20-30% to keep water parameters stable and reduce waste buildup.
• Health Monitoring: Watch for signs of common fish diseases such as fin rot, ich, and parasitic infections. Early detection and treatment are vital.
• Behavioral Observation: Observe their behavior regularly. Healthy Samurai Gouramis are active, exploring their environment and displaying vibrant coloration.

Breeding: Breeding Samurai Gouramis in captivity can be challenging but is possible with the right conditions:

• Pair Selection: Choose healthy and mature individuals to enhance breeding success. Males are typically more colorful and have more pronounced fin patterns compared to females.
• Spawning Environment: Set up a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water (pH around 4.5-5.5) and a temperature of 78-82°F (26-28°C). Include fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for egg-laying.
• Spawning Process: Condition the breeding pair with high-quality live or frozen foods. The female will lay eggs, which the male will fertilize and then carry in his mouth (mouthbrooding). After spawning, it's best to remove the female to prevent stress.
• Fry Care: The male will release the fry after about 7-10 days. Feed the fry infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat micro worms or finely crushed flake food.