Samurai Gourami
Sphaerichthys vaillanti
A stunning blackwater gourami for dedicated soft-water specialists.
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Min. Tank Size | 60 L |
| Temperature | 24.0–28.0 °C |
| pH Range | 4.0–6.0 |
| Max Size | 5.5 cm |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
Overview
The Samurai Gourami (Sphaerichthys vaillanti) is a stunning blackwater gourami for dedicated soft-water specialists. It is a popular choice among Australian aquarists, reaching around 5.5 cm and living roughly 3-5 years when properly cared for.
This complete guide covers how to keep the Samurai Gourami successfully - tank size and setup, water parameters, the best foods (including recommended brands), suitable tank mates, breeding, sexing and the health issues to watch for. It is rated Advanced to care for.
Natural Habitat & Origin
Gouramis are labyrinth fish from the still, warm, often oxygen-poor waters of South-East Asia - rice paddies, ponds and slow streams. Their labyrinth organ lets them breathe air, so they need a warm, calm tank with a snug lid.
Matching the temperature, water chemistry and cover a species evolved with is the simplest route to keeping it healthy and seeing its natural behaviour and colour.
Tank Size & Aquarium Setup
Provide a minimum of 60 litres for the Samurai Gourami. A roomy, well-decorated tank lets a pair settle and behave naturally.
A tight-fitting lid is essential - this species is a capable jumper and labyrinth fish also need a warm layer of air above the surface.
Live plants, driftwood and shaded retreats give security and show off the fish's colours against a natural backdrop.
Always add fish only to a fully cycled, mature tank with stable biological filtration. Keep the flow gentle for this calm-water species.
Water Parameters
Keep the Samurai Gourami in stable water at 24-28 °C with a pH of 4.0-6.0. Soft, acidic water suits it best and is important for colour and breeding.
Test regularly: ammonia and nitrite must read zero, and nitrate should be kept low with routine partial water changes. Always dechlorinate and temperature-match new water, because sudden swings cause far more illness than water that is stable but slightly imperfect.
Diet & Feeding
The Samurai Gourami is a carnivore and needs a protein-rich, meaty diet.
In Australia, good options include Hikari Carnivore pellets or Vibra Bites, plus Dymax frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp. Feed small amounts once or twice a day (only what is cleared in a minute or two), vary the diet for the best colour and health, and avoid overfeeding, which is the leading cause of poor water quality.
Temperament & Tank Mates
The Samurai Gourami is peaceful and community-friendly. It mixes well with other calm species that share its temperature (24-28 °C) and pH (4.0-6.0) needs, are too large to be eaten and not large enough to eat it.
Breeding
The Samurai Gourami is a mouthbrooder - the parent holds the fertilised eggs and fry safely in its mouth until they can swim and feed on their own.
Even if you are not planning to breed it, recognising this behaviour helps you understand what you are seeing and respond well - for example by adding cover for fry or giving a guarding pair extra space.
How to Tell Males from Females
Males are usually more colourful with longer, more pointed dorsal fins, while females are plainer and rounder.
Common Health Problems
Like most aquarium species it can suffer from white spot (ich), fin rot and fungal or bacterial infections, almost always triggered by stress or poor water quality. Quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks and watch daily for early signs such as loss of appetite, unusual hiding, clamped fins or laboured breathing - caught early, most issues are very treatable.
Prevention beats cure: keep water pristine, avoid overstocking and overfeeding, quarantine new arrivals, and act at the first sign of trouble.
Is the Samurai Gourami Right for You?
The Samurai Gourami suits keepers with some experience and a stable, mature, appropriately sized tank, as long as you can provide at least 60 litres, water at 24-28 °C and pH 4.0-6.0, the right diet and suitable tank mates.
Meet those needs and the Samurai Gourami will reward you for around 3-5 years. Use our free aquarium calculators to plan your setup, and explore our other fish, plant and disease guides to build a thriving aquarium.
