Fishician®Diet
Carnivore – live/frozen micro-foods: baby brine shrimp, micro worms, daphnia
Aquarium species profile
Samurai Gourami
Sphaerichthys vaillanti · Southeast Asia (Borneo, Indonesia)
Minimum tank15 gal
Adult size2"
Care levelExpert
TemperamentPeaceful
Temperature75–82°F
pH range4.0–6.5
Compatible tank mates
Micro rasboras, small peaceful blackwater fish
Tank mates to avoid
Hard/alkaline water, active fish, temperature fluctuations
Care notes
Reverse sex-role species — females are brilliantly colored (red-and-white samurai pattern), males drab. Mouthbrooder (male). Requires blackwater, very soft acidic water. Extremely sensitive to water chemistry. Expert-only.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.