Aquatic Arts – Samurai Gourami aka “Vaillant’s Chocolate Gourami” (Sphaerichthys vaillanti) – Tank-Bred

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The Samurai Gourami is a rare and beautiful variant of the Chocolate Gourami, prized for its unique coloration and gentle demeanor.

Description:

The Samurai Gourami (Sphaerichthys vaillanti), also known as Vaillant’s Chocolate Gourami, is a captivating freshwater fish that displays a rich, chocolate-brown body adorned with delicate patterns and iridescent highlights. This tank-bred variant is known for its hardiness and adaptability in home aquariums. With its peaceful nature and slow-moving elegance, the Samurai Gourami makes a stunning addition to any community tank.

These gouramis prefer the middle and lower levels of the water column and thrive in well-planted aquariums. Their calm demeanor and striking appearance make them a standout feature in any setup. Samurai Gouramis are best kept in pairs or small groups to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress.

What We Like About This Fish:

• Exquisite Coloration: Rich chocolate-brown body with iridescent accents.
• Gentle Nature: Ideal for peaceful community tanks.
• Elegant and Graceful: Adds a touch of refinement to the aquarium.
• Tank-Bred: Ensures hardiness and adaptability to various water conditions.

Aquascaping:

Samurai Gouramis are perfect for heavily planted tanks. Their rich coloration contrasts beautifully with green plants and dark substrates. Consider using plants like Java Fern, Cryptocoryne, Anubias, and Amazon Sword to create a lush environment. Driftwood and leaf litter can also enhance their natural habitat, promoting their best coloration and behavior.

Shrimp Compatible:

Samurai Gouramis are generally peaceful and can coexist with larger, peaceful invertebrates. However, small shrimp may be at risk. Ensure plenty of hiding spaces for shrimp to minimize any potential threat and maintain a harmonious tank environment.

Diet:

Samurai Gouramis are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet. High-quality flake food, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms will be readily accepted. A varied diet helps maintain their vibrant color and overall health.

Botanicals:

Incorporating botanicals such as Indian Almond Leaves, Catappa Bark, and Alder Cones can enrich the aquarium environment for Samurai Gouramis. These botanicals release beneficial tannins and humic substances, creating a more natural, acidic habitat. They also provide additional hiding spots and grazing areas, promoting natural behavior and enhancing the overall health of your fish.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 75 – 82 F (24 – 28 C)
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5 (prefers slightly acidic to neutral water)
• KH: 0 – 4 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous. Will easily accept high-quality dry and frozen foods.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful, prefers being kept in pairs or small groups.
• Origin: Tank-bred, originally from Southeast Asia.
• Average Adult Size: 2.5 – 3 inches (6 – 7.5 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1.5 – 2 inches (3.8 – 5 cm)

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