Samurai gourami Breeding Guide
Sphaerichthys vaillanti
📊 Datasheet
View More- Breeding AggressionSlightly More Aggressive
- Minimum School Size5
- Territorial BehaviourModerately Territorial
Please note: These values are based on the average of various confirmed sources.
🐠 Breeding
Breeding Samurai Gouramis in captivity is notoriously difficult, but success can be achieved with the right conditions and patience. Like the closely related Chocolate Gourami, Samurai Gouramis exhibit fascinating reproductive behavior, including mouthbrooding.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males develop brighter colors during breeding, which helps distinguish them from females. They may also show more defined patterning during this time, including enhanced fin coloration.
- Breeding Tank Setup: A dedicated breeding tank with soft, acidic water and plenty of plant cover is essential. Adding almond leaves not only helps replicate the water chemistry but also provides areas for the fish to hide and feel secure. Keep the water flow low, as Samurai Gouramis prefer slow-moving water, especially during the breeding process.
- Spawning Behavior: The male will initiate the breeding process by courting the female with a series of displays and movements. After mating, the female will lay the eggs, which the male then collects and holds in his mouth. He will mouthbrood the eggs, protecting them until they hatch, which typically takes around 10-14 days. During this time, it is crucial to maintain stable water conditions and avoid stressing the male.
- Fry Care: Once the fry are released, they are extremely small and delicate, requiring very fine foods such as infusoria or liquid fry food. As they grow, they can be transitioned to newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food. Careful attention to water quality and feeding is essential for their survival.