Samurai Gourami

Sphaerichthys vaillanti

Samurai Gourami is a peaceful all-zone swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulAll-zone swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Intermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Samurai Gourami?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: All-zone swimmer
Temperature: 70–77°F (21–25°C)
pH: 3.5–6.5
GH: 0–3 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–25 °C, pH 3.5–6.5, GH 0–3 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Samurai Gourami is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses multiple areas of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Samurai Gourami should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer small live or frozen foods daily. Newly acquired fish may refuse prepared foods; choose quiet companions that will not outcompete them.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Indonesia.

Important notes

Stored 54 dGH maximum is not supported; inspected specialist care account recommends 0–3 dGH.
Do not mark this species as schooling or interpret the historical Pairs alias as the only valid arrangement.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Batman Betta Betta persephone Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bintan Licorice Gourami Parosphromenus bintan Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1" (≤ 2.6 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black Diamond Corydoras CW49 Corydoras sp. Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) Bluefin Notho Nothobranchius rachovii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 68–75°F (20–24°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Samurai Gourami get?

Samurai Gourami reaches ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Samurai Gourami need?

Use an aquarium of at least 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Samurai Gourami peaceful?

Yes. Samurai Gourami is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Samurai Gourami?

Keep it between 21 to 25 °C.

Should Samurai Gourami be kept alone or in a group?

Samurai Gourami: Keep in a loose group of 6+.