Samurai Gourami Care: Appearance, Size, Diet | Updated| 2024

The Samurai Gourami is a shy but beautiful freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. This fish is also called the Vaillant’s chocolate gourami, the three spot gourami, or simply the gourami. It is a member of the Osphronemidae family, which includes over 133 different species of gouramis.

Samurai Gouramis are one of the larger species of gourami. These fish prefer to live in slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation. They can be found in the wild in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

The Samurai Gourami is popular among aquarists because of its peaceful nature and lovely coloration. These fish are relatively easy to care for but require attention to detail.

If you’re considering adding Samurai Gourami to your aquarium, learn about these beautiful fish!

Species Summary

Scientific name:	Sphaerichthys vaillanti
Common names:	Samurai Gourami, Vaillant’s chocolate gourami, three spot gourami, gourami
Family:	Osphronemidae
Color:	Males are browny grey, and females are green with red stripes
Origin:	Southeast Asia, in the Indonesian part of Borneo within the Kalimantan River
Size:	1.5 to 2.5 inches
Life expectancy:	5 to 8 years
Habitat:	Slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation
Behavior:	Shy but peaceful
Minimum tank size:	20 to 30 gallons
Temperature range:	75° to 82°F (24 to 28°C)
pH level:	3.5 to 7.5
Water hardness:	0-54 ppm
Activity Level:	Moderate
Diet:	Omnivorous; feeds on insects, larvae, small crustaceans, and plant matter
Feeding Frequency:	2 to 3 times per day
Breeding method:	Egg layer
Temperament:	Timid

The scientific name for Samurai Gourami is Sphaerichthys vaillanti. The Samurai Gourami originates from the Indonesian part of Borneo within the Kalimantan River.

The Samurai Gourami is a shy, peaceful fish that does best in pairs or small groups. These fish are incompatible with other fish but can be kept with bottom-dwelling fish such as corydoras.

The fish come from blackwater areas populated by slow-moving waters and vegetation. They can be mistaken for dead leaves as they often lie very still at the bottom of the tank.

The Samurai Gourami is an egg-laying fish. The female will lay her eggs on a leaf or another piece of vegetation, and the male fertilizes them. After that, the parents will usually eat the eggs.

Thriving in oxygen-depleted rivers, the fish breathe through their labyrinth organ, an extension of the gills. This allows them to live in water that would be too stagnant for other fish.

They are rare in the wild and hard to find in pet stores. They are a popular fish among aquarists because of their peaceful nature and lovely coloration. These fish are relatively easy to care for but require attention to detail.

The cost of Samurai Gourami can vary depending on the fish’s size, color, and age. A juvenile fish will cost less than an adult, and a rarer coloration will also be more expensive.

On average, Samurai Gourami costs anywhere from $15 to $50.

Samurai Gourami Appearance

The Samurai Gourami is a beautiful fish with striking coloration. The males are brown or gray, while the females have green bodies with red stripes.

These fish also have long fins reaching up to 6 inches in length. The males have larger fins than the females, and their fins are also more brightly colored. Females are bright and colorful to attract mates, but their colors fade after laying eggs.

The fins of Samurai Gourami are very fragile and can be easily damaged. The fish should be handled with care to avoid damaging their fins.

Differentiating between female and male Samurai Gouramis can be difficult, but there are some subtle differences. Males are typically larger than females, and they have longer fins. Females also tend to be brighter in coloration.

The young fish are called fry and are born with black bodies and white stripes. As they grow, their colors will change to match those of the adults.

The head of the Samurai Gourami is large and round, and the eyes are far apart. The mouth is small and located at the bottom of the head.

Male samurais have a vertical stripe between their eyes, while females have a horizontal stripe.

These fish have a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe in oxygen-poor environments. The organ extends the gills and helps the fish breathe air from the water’s surface.

Samurai Gourami Size & Growth Rate

The size of Samurai Gourami can vary depending on the age and gender of the fish. Males are typically larger than females, and adults are usually 1.5 to 2.5 inches long.

The growth rate of Samurai Gourami is relatively slow. These fish will reach their full size in about two years.

As they grow, their coloration will also change. The males will become brown or gray, while the females will develop red stripes.

Samurai Gourami Lifespan

The lifespan of Samurai Gourami is 5 to 8 years. These fish can live even longer if they are well-cared for and have a good diet.

However, their lifespan can be shortened if the fish is not kept in a suitable environment or does not have access to proper care.

Samurai Gourami Behavior & Temperament

Samurai Gouramis are timid fish that prefer to stay hidden. They are not aggressive and will not bother other fish in the tank. They should be kept with other peaceful fish that are similar in size.

They can be shy around new people and may hide when someone new comes into the room. These fish will behave similarly in a tank and not bother other fish.

They will likely drift at the bottom of the tank and may not swim around much. Males can get aggravated if they are not given enough space to swim. And may lash out or chase other fish in the tank.

Due to the shy nature of these fish, it is essential to keep them in a tank with plenty of hiding places. It would be best to choose tankmates that are not aggressive and will not bother the Samurai Gouramis.

They work best in groups, so consider keeping them in pairs or groups of four. A group of samurais produces better coloration and is less likely to be bullied by other fish. There should be more females than males in the group.

The males sometimes fight each other, so keeping an eye on them is essential. If they are fighting too much, you may need to remove one of the males from the tank.

They are mouthbrooders, meaning the male will carry the eggs in her mouth until they hatch. The fry will stay in the mouth for a few days after birth. The males do not eat during this time.

The male protects the fry and will not eat them. However, if the fry is not given enough food, they may eat a small amount. Removing the fry from the tank after they are born is important. The fry can be kept in a separate tank or a breeding net.

Samurai Gourami Breeding

If you are interested in breeding Samurai Gouramis, there are a few things that you will need to do. First, you will need to choose a pair of fish that are healthy and of the same size. Next, you will need to set up a breeding tank. The breeding tank should have soft, acidic water. It should also have plenty of plants for the fry to hide in.

Once you have set up the breeding tank, you must slowly acclimate the fish to the new water. This should be done over an hour. Once the fish are acclimated, you must place them in the breeding tank. The female will then lay a batch of eggs. The male will then fertilize the eggs.

Once the eggs have been fertilized, they will hatch in about 10 to 20 days. The fry will then need to be fed a diet of live food such as brine shrimp or blood worms. After a few weeks, you can introduce them to pellets or flakes.

After that, it is just a matter of taking care of the fry until they are old enough to be moved to their tank.

Samurai Gourami Care

Samurai Gouramis are challenging to look after. These fish are not recommended for beginner aquarists. They require a well-oxygenated tank with plenty of hiding places.

The tank should also have a filter to keep the water clean and toxins-free. The filter should be turned off at night so the fish can rest.

These rare fish species need to be kept in groups of at least six. They are social creatures that enjoy being around other fish.

They are omnivores and need a diet that includes plant and animal matter. Their diet should be protein-rich and contain some live or frozen foods.

Aquarists should also provide plenty of hiding places for their fish. These fish hide in plants, caves, and other dark areas.

We will discuss everything you need to know about caring for Samurai Gourami.

Samurai Gourami Tank Size

The minimum tank size for Samurai Gourami is 20 gallons. However, a larger tank is always better. A 30-gallon tank will provide more space for the fish to swim and hide.

When setting up your tank, include plenty of plants and hiding places. These fish like to hide, providing plenty of places to do so.

Samurai Gourami Water Parameters

Samurai Gouramis are native to slow-moving rivers and streams in Southeast Asia. They prefer warm water with a pH between 3.5 to 7.5. The water temperature should be between 75° to 82° Fahrenheit.

The water hardness should be between 0 to 54 ppm.

These fish are susceptible to changes in their environment. Sudden changes in temperature or pH can cause fish stress and make them ill.

It is important to acclimate your fish to any changes in their environment slowly. Ensure to do this over days or weeks to give the fish time to adjust.

It is also essential to keep the water clean. A dirty tank can cause the fish to become ill. Be sure to perform regular water changes and clean the filter often.

Samurai Gourami Filtration

As we mentioned before, Samurai Gouramis need a well-oxygenated tank. A good filter will help keep the water clean and oxygenated.

It is also essential to turn the filter off at night. This will allow the fish to rest and avoid being sucked into the filter.

Some recommended filters for a Samurai Gourami tank are:

• The Fluval U4 Underwater Filter: This filter is designed for up to 50 gallons of aquariums. It has a flow rate of 175 GPH and comes with various media.
• The Aqua Clear Powerhead: This filter is designed for up to 20 gallons of aquariums. It has a flow rate of 200 GPH and can be used with various media.
• The Marina Hang-on-Back Filter: This filter is designed for up to 40 gallons of aquariums. It has a flow rate of 265 GPH and comes with various media.

Samurai Gourami Heating

As we mentioned before, Samurai Gouramis prefer warm water. A good aquarium heater will help to maintain a stable water temperature.

It is also essential to get a thermometer to monitor the water temperature.

We recommend the following aquarium heaters:

• The Fluval E Heater: This is designed for up to 50 gallons of aquariums. It has an adjustable temperature range of 68-93 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The Aqua Clear Powerhead: This heater is designed for up to 20 gallons of aquariums. It has an adjustable temperature range of 65-93 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The Marina Hang-on-Back Filter: This heater is designed for up to 40 gallons of aquariums. It has an adjustable temperature range of 68-93 degrees Fahrenheit.

Plants

Samurai Gouramis are native to slow-moving rivers and streams in Southeast Asia. These waters are typically heavily planted.

Plants help to provide the necessary hiding places for these fish. They also help to oxygenate the water and keep it clean.

Some recommended plants for a Samurai Gourami tank are:

• Java Fern: This plant is a slow-growing, hardy plant that can tolerate various conditions. It is easy to care for and does not require much light.
• Anubias Nana: These plants are hardy and can tolerate various conditions. It can be attached to driftwood or rocks and does not require much light.
• Bolbitis heudelotii: This plant is hardy and can tolerate various conditions. It can be attached to driftwood or rocks and does not require much light.

Lighting

Samurai Gouramis prefer dimly lit tanks. These fish do not require much light, and too much light can cause them stress.

Fertilizers

Plants need nutrients to grow. Fertilizers help to provide these nutrients and can be added to the tank water or substrate.

Some recommended fertilizers for a Samurai Gourami tank are:

• The Dr. Earth Super Green Fertilizer: This fertilizer is designed for aquarium plants. It is made with fish meal, kelp meal, and alfalfa meal.
• The Seachem Flourish Tabs: These tabs are designed for aquarium plants. They are made with iron, manganese, and other essential nutrients.
• The API Leaf Zone Plant Food: This plant food is designed for aquarium plants. It is made with iron, potassium, and other essential nutrients.

Co2 Systems

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is essential for plant growth. Aquarium CO2 systems help to provide the necessary levels of CO2 for plants.

Some recommended CO2 systems for a Samurai Gourami tank are:

• The Fluval Pressurized CO2 Kit
• The Aqua Culture Deluxe CO2 Kit
• The JBJ Nano Cube CO2 Kit

Samurai Gourami Water Conditioners

Water conditioners help to make tap water safe for fish. They remove chlorine and other chemicals that can be harmful to fish.

Some recommended water conditioners for a Samurai Gourami tank are:

• The API Tap Water Conditioner is designed for up to 50 gallons of aquariums. It removes chlorine and heavy metals from tap water.
• The Seachem Prime Water Conditioner is designed for up to 100 gallons of aquariums. It removes chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals from tap water.
• The Aqua Safe Plus Water Conditioner is designed for up to 200 gallons of aquariums. It removes chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals from tap water.

Substrate

The substrate is the material used to cover the bottom of the tank. It can be made of gravel, sand, or soil.

Some recommended substrates for a Samurai Gourami tank are:

• The Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate: This substrate is designed for up to 50 gallons of aquariums. It is made of gravel and contains nutrients essential for plant growth.
• The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum: This substrate is designed for up to 20 gallons of aquariums. It is made of gravel and sand and contains nutrients essential for plant growth.
• The Aqua Culture Aquarium Substrate: This substrate is designed for up to 10 gallons of aquariums. It is made of gravel and sand and contains nutrients essential for plant growth.

Decorations

Decorations are not essential for a Samurai Gourami tank, but they can help make it more attractive.

Some recommended decorations for a Samurai Gourami tank are:

• The Penn Plax Aquarium Decoration: This decoration is designed for up to 10 gallons of aquariums. It is made of resin and is safe for all fish.
• The GloFish Aquarium Decoration: This decoration is designed for up to 20 gallons of aquariums. It is made of plastic and is safe for all fish.
• The Marina Naturals Rock Cave: This decoration is designed for up to 30 gallons of aquariums. It is made of natural stone and is safe for all fish.

Other Tank Accessories

There are a few other things that you will need for your Samurai Gourami tank.

Some recommended tank accessories for a Samurai Gourami tank are:

• The Fluval Edge algae magnet is designed for up to 50 gallons of aquariums. It helps to remove algae from the glass of the aquarium.
• The Aqua Culture 10-gallon fishnet is designed for up to 10 gallons of aquariums. It is used for catching fish and moving them to another tank.
• The Aqueon mini heater is designed for aquariums of up to 5 gallons. It helps to keep the water at a consistent temperature.

Water Changes

Water changes are an essential part of fish care. It helps to keep the water clean and free of toxins. It also helps to keep the fish healthy.

A good rule of thumb is a weekly water change of 20%.

To change the water, you will need the following:

• A siphon is used to remove water from the tank.
• A bucket is used to hold the water you remove from the tank.
• Water conditioner is used to make tap water safe for fish.

The steps for changing the water are as follows:

• Remove the lid from the tank.
• Siphon out 10% of the water from the tank and into the bucket.
• Add water conditioner to the bucket of water.
• Pour the conditioned water back into the tank.
• Repeat steps 2-4 every week.

Cleaning The Tank

Cleaning the tank is an integral part of fish care. It helps to remove debris and waste from the tank. It also helps to keep the water quality high.

A good rule of thumb is to clean the tank every two weeks.

To clean the tank, you will need the following:

• A sponge is used to wipe down the inside of the tank.
• A toothbrush is used to clean the algae off the glass.
• A gravel vacuum is used to remove debris and waste from the substrate.

The steps for cleaning the tank are as follows:

• Remove the lid from the tank.
• Wipe down the inside of the tank with the sponge.
• Clean the algae off of the glass with the toothbrush.
• Siphon out 10% of the water from the tank and into the bucket.
• Vacuum the substrate to remove debris and waste.
• Pour the conditioned water back into the tank.
• Repeat steps 2-6 every two weeks.

Cleaning The Filter

Cleaning the filter is an integral part of fish care. It helps to remove debris and waste from the water. It also helps to keep the water quality high.

A good rule of thumb is to clean the filter every two weeks.

To clean the filter, you will need the following:

• A bucket is used to hold the water you remove from the tank.
• Water conditioner is used to make tap water safe for fish.

The steps for cleaning the filter are as follows:

• Remove the lid from the tank.
• Siphon out 10% of the water from the tank and into the bucket.
• Remove the filter from the tank.
• Rinse the filter in the bucket of water.
• Add a water conditioner to the bucket of water.
• Pour the conditioned water back into the tank.
• Repeat steps 2-6 every two weeks.

Testing The Water

Testing the water is an essential part of fish care. It helps to keep the water quality high.

A good rule of thumb is to test the water every two weeks.

To test the water, you will need the following:

• A test kit tests the ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates levels in the water.

The steps for testing the water are as follows:

• Remove the lid from the tank.
• Test the water’s levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
• If the levels are high, do a water change of 20%.
• Repeat steps 2-3 every two weeks.

Samurai Gourami Common Possible Diseases

There are many possible diseases that fish can get.

Some of the more common ones are:

• Aquarium or fish tuberculosis: This bacterial infection can affect the fish’s skin, fins, and mouth.
• Carbon dioxide poisoning: This happens when there is too much carbon dioxide in the water. It can cause the fish to gasp for air and may lead to death.
• Chilodonella: This is a parasitic infection that can cause the fish to scratch themselves. It can also cause ulcers on the skin.
• Columnaris: This is a bacterial infection that can affect the fish’s skin, fins, and mouth.
• Dropsy: This is a condition that several things can cause. It causes the fish’s body to swell up and may lead to death.
• Fin rot: This is a bacterial infection that can affect the fish’s fins.
• Fungal infections: These are fungal infections that can affect the fish’s skin, fins, or mouth.
• Ich: This is a parasitic infection that causes the fish to have white spots on their body.
• Velvet: This is a parasitic infection that can cause the fish to have gold or brown spots on their body.

If your fish shows any signs of illness, it is important to take them to a vet who can diagnose and treat the problem.

Signs That Your Samurai Gourami Is Sick

There are a few signs that you can look for that may indicate that your fish is sick.

These signs include:

• The fish is not eating.
• The fish has lost its color.
• The fish is gasping for air.
• The fish has white spots on its body.
• The fish has gold or brown spots on its body.
• The fish’s fins are rotting.
• The fish has ulcers on its skin.

If you see any of these signs, you must take your fish to a vet who can diagnose and treat the problem.

Samurai Gourami Preventing Diseases

There are a few things that you can do to help prevent diseases in your fish.

These things include:

• Quarantining new fish: When you add new fish to your tank, it is important to quarantine them for at least two weeks. This will help ensure they are not sick before adding them to your tank.
• Cleaning the tank: It is important to clean your tank regularly. This will help to remove any build-up of bacteria or parasites that could make your fish sick.
• Testing the water: It is important to test the water on a regular basis. This will help you monitor the levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in the water.
• Adding plants to the tank: Plants can help filter the water and keep it clean. This will help to keep your fish healthy.

Samurai Gourami Treatment And Medications Of Diseases

If your fish is sick, it is important to take them to a vet who can diagnose and treat the problem. Several different medications can be used to treat diseases. These medications include:

• Antibiotics: These are used to treat bacterial infections.
• Antifungals: These are used to treat fungal infections.
• Anti-parasitics: These are used to treat parasitic infections.

It is important to follow the directions on the medication carefully. If you do not follow the directions, it could make the problem worse.

How To Choose A Healthy Samurai Gourami

When choosing a Samurai Gourami, it is important to choose one that is healthy. There are a few things that you can look for that will help you to choose a healthy fish.

These things include:

• The fish should have bright colors.
• The fish should be active and playful.
• The fish should be eaten regularly.
• The fish should have clear eyes.
• The fish should have smooth, shiny scales.

If you see any of these signs, choosing that fish is a good idea.

Samurai Gourami Food & Diet

Samurai Gouramis are omnivorous feeders in the wild, meaning they will eat plants and animals. In captivity, they should be given a diet that consists of both plant and animal matter.

Some good options for their diet include: 

• Algae wafers
• Blood worms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Krill
• Mysis shrimp
• Plankton

They will likely reject dry food and prefer live or frozen food. It is important to offer them a variety of different foods to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need.

Samurai Gourami Diet Foods To Avoid

There are a few diet foods that you should avoid giving to your Samurai Gourami.

These foods include:

• Canned food
• Cooked food
• Processed food

These foods can be low in nutrients and cause health problems for your fish.

The Importance Of A Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is important for several reasons. It can help to keep your fish healthy, it can help to prevent diseases, and can help to keep the water in your tank clean. A diet that is high in nutrients will help to keep your fish healthy and will also help to prevent diseases.

A diet low in nutrients can cause health problems for your fish and dirty the water in your tank.

Samurai Gourami Feeding Schedule

They should be fed two or three times a day. They should be given enough food that they can eat in two minutes.

Feed the Samurai Gouramis extra food before they begin spawning. This will help to ensure that the fry has enough food to eat.

Removing any uneaten food from the tank after two minutes is important.

Samurai Gourami Tank Mates

Samurai Gouramis prefer to share their tank with other peaceful fish that are similar in size. They should not be kept with aggressive fish or fish much larger than them.

Some good tank mates for them include:

• Corydoras
• Kuhli Loach
• Harlequin Rasbora
• Rosy Barbs
• Mollies
• Tetra Fish
• Platies
• Guppies
• Swordtails

Pair them with non-fish tank mates such as mystery snails, dwarf crayfish, and Amano shrimp. These animals will not bother the fish and can help keep the tank clean.

Do not keep more than one male Samurai Gourami in a tank. They will fight with each other for dominance.

Samurai Gourami Fish To Avoid

Do not keep them with aggressive fish or fish much larger than them.

Some fish to avoid include:

• Bettas
• Gouramis
• Danios
• Sharks
• Goldfish
• Cichlids
• Angelfish

Advantages Of Having Samurai Gourami In Your Tank

The first advantage is that they are lovely fish. They have bright colors and patterns that can liven up a tank.

They are also very peaceful fish. They will not bother other fish in the tank and get along with most tank mates.

Another advantage is that they are easy to care for. They do not require any special care or attention.

Finally, they are a good choice for beginner fish keepers. They are very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.

Disadvantages Of Having Samurai Gourami In Your Tank

The first disadvantage is that they can be a bit shy. They may not come out much or be as active as other fish.

Another disadvantage is that they are mouthbrooders. This means the female will carry the eggs in her mouth until they hatch. The fry will stay in the mother’s mouth for a few days after birth. The males do not eat during this time.

The female protects the fry and will not eat them. However, if the fry is not given enough food, the female may eat them. Removing the fry from the tank after they are born is important. The fry can be kept in a separate tank or a breeding net.

Wrapping Up

Overall, Samurai Gouramis are a great choice for most fish tanks. They are beautiful fish that are easy to care for. They are also peaceful and get along well with most tank mates.

The only downside is that they can be shy and are mouthbrooders. Looking past these disadvantages, they make a great addition to any tank.

I hope you have enjoyed this article on Samurai Gouramis. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Thanks for reading!