Samurai Gourami

A small, delicate gourami from the Kapuas basin in Borneo, also sold as the Samurai Zebra Chocolate Gourami. It needs very soft, acidic water and a mature, quiet tank.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Males are usually brighter, with more pointed dorsal fins, and females are rounder.

Keep the water calm, with floating plants and tall stems for cover, and leave a little open water at the surface, because gouramis breathe air. A lid keeps the air above the water warm, which protects the labyrinth organ.

A calm, deliberate fish that explores with its long, thread-like pelvic fins and takes breaths of air from the surface.

Can be kept singly or in a small group. Males may squabble, so give them cover if you keep more than one.

Males can be territorial, especially when building a nest.

Usually suits a calm community of fish that are not too boisterous. Avoid fin nippers, which go for its long pelvic fins. It is likely to eat shrimp. Choose its tankmates with care.

Needs soft, acidic water. Keep the temperature steady.

Takes prepared foods readily, along with live and frozen foods.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

A mouthbrooder. The female usually holds the eggs and young fry in her mouth for a few weeks, and releases free-swimming young. Give her cover, and avoid stressing her during this time.