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Fish Profiles | Samurai Gourami
Fish Profiles | Samurai Gourami
How about this for a rare fish - have you ever seen one of these?
The Samurai Gourami originates from Southeast Asia, in the Indonesian part of Borneo within the Kalimantan River. The fish reside in blackwater areas populated with tree roots and other decaying materials. Samurai gourami are often mistaken for dead leaves as they swim along the bottom of the riverbed.
Samurai gouramis are timid fish that prefer to hide close to the bottom of riverbeds. The fish often blend in with the decaying plant matter around them. In a tank, these fish will behave in similar ways and will need lots of foliage to hide in. Samurai gouramis are likely to drift at the bottom of the tank when not hiding.
Appearance: Females are vibrant, with green and red stripes, while males are more subdued in colour.
Size: They grow to about 1.8–2.2 inches (4.5–5.5 cm) in length.
Habitat: They thrive in acidic blackwater environments with plenty of decaying vegetation.
Behavior: These fish are shy and prefer dimly lit aquariums with natural foliage.
Diet: Omnivorous, but they prefer live food like mosquito larvae and bloodworms.
Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 5–8 years.
Caring for Samurai Gourami
Caring for Samurai Gourami requires attention to their specific needs, as they are delicate and prefer an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Here's how you can ensure their well-being:
Tank Setup: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended. Use dim lighting, plenty of plants, and hiding spots created with driftwood or caves. They thrive in blackwater tanks with soft, acidic water.
Water Conditions: Keep the water temperature between 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH around 4.0–6.5, and soft water with low mineral content. Regular water changes are crucial to maintain quality.
Diet: They prefer live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae. You can supplement their diet with high-quality pellets or flakes designed for omnivores.
Social Behavior: Samurai Gouramis are shy and do best in a peaceful community tank with non-aggressive tank mates. They can be kept in small groups, but ensure they have enough space to avoid stress.
Breeding: They are mouthbrooders, with males carrying eggs in their mouths until they hatch. Breeding can be challenging, as it requires stable conditions and a quiet environment.
These fish are sensitive to stress and water quality changes, so they are best suited for experienced aquarists. Their stunning appearance and unique behavior make the effort worthwhile!
To browse our range of pellet food for Gourami please click here.
To browse our range of aquariums suitable for Gourami fish please click here.
Photo credit(s): Shutterstock
