Samazonex Gouramis: Care And Breeding Guide

Gouramis are a group of fish native to eastern and southern Asia, from Pakistan through Thailand, Vietnam, the Malaysian Archipelago, China, and as far north and east as Korea and Japan. They are popular fish for aquariums due to their vibrant colours and bold personalities. Gouramis are hardy fish that can survive in a wide range of water parameters. They are labyrinth fish, which means they have a lung-like labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air directly from the water's surface. This adaptation enables them to live in shallow, stagnant, oxygen-poor water.

Gouramis are omnivores and can be fed a variety of food, including pellets, flakes, freeze-dried, and frozen diets. They are not picky eaters and will eat just about anything a betta fish does.

Gouramis are not schooling fish, but they are social and like to live in groups. They are generally peaceful, but male gouramis can be aggressive towards each other, so it is recommended to keep only one male per tank. Female gouramis usually get along well with each other.

The size of the aquarium will depend on the species of gourami. For example, dwarf gouramis can be kept in tanks as small as 10 gallons, while a 30-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for pearl gouramis.

Gouramis are unique and beautiful fish that make a great addition to a home aquarium.

Housing Requirements

The size of the aquarium you will need for your gouramis depends on the species. For example, sparkling, croaking, honey and dwarf gouramis can be kept in tanks as small as 10 gallons, while a 30-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for pearl, blue, gold, opaline, and moonlight gouramis. Kissing gouramis are quite large and will need a 55-gallon tank or larger when fully grown. The Osphronemus goramy, or "True" gourami, can grow to 24" and requires an aquarium of 250 gallons or more.

Gouramis are surface-oriented fish, so tall plants or floating plants at the surface will help them feel at home. They will be less stressed and show their best colours in a well-decorated aquarium. Gouramis are generally peaceful fish, but male gouramis can be aggressive towards each other, so it is recommended to keep only one male per tank. Female gouramis usually get along well with each other, and males and females can also live together. Dwarf gouramis, in particular, are social fish and are used to living in pairs or small groups.

Gouramis are labyrinth fish, meaning they have a lung-like labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air directly from the surface. This means they can live in shallow, oxygen-poor water. In the wild, gouramis are found in slow-moving waterways and swamps, marshes, canals, wetlands, and temporary pools. They can survive in a wide range of water conditions and are adaptable to different pH levels and temperatures. The pH should be maintained between 6.8 and 7.8, alkalinity between 3° and 8° dkH (50 ppm to 140 ppm), and the water temperature between 75° and 80° F.

To maintain a healthy environment for your gouramis, good filtration is essential. Change 10% of the water weekly or 25% every two weeks, and remember to treat tap water with a water conditioner before refilling your tank.

Water Requirements

Gouramis are generally found in soft, acidic water in the wild, but they are very adaptable. The pH of the water should be between 6.8 and 7.8, with alkalinity between 3° and 8° dkH (50 ppm to 140 ppm). The water temperature should be maintained between 74° and 80° F (24° to 26° C).

Gouramis are labyrinth fish, which means they have a lung-like labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air at the surface. In nature, this adaptation enables them to survive in shallow, stagnant, oxygen-poor water. They often inhabit slow-moving rivers, swamps, marshes, and wetlands. Therefore, they do not require an air pump in the tank, unlike most other fish. However, they do require a heater to maintain the water temperature within the optimal range.

It is important to provide good filtration and regularly change the water. For a gourami tank, it is recommended to change 10% of the water weekly or 25% every two weeks. Before refilling the tank, remember to treat tap water with a suitable water conditioner.

When setting up a gourami tank, it is preferable to use a fine to medium-size substrate of a neutral colour. The tank should be well-planted with sturdy aquatic vegetation, such as Cryptocoryne, Java Fern, Vallisneria, or floating plants that cover only part of the water surface. This provides gouramis with access to the surface, as they need to breathe air.

Gouramis Behaviour/Compatibility

Gouramis are generally peaceful, docile fish that do well in community tanks. They are slow-moving and shouldn't be kept with fast-moving fish or fin-nippers. They are hardy, but it takes time for them to adjust to new environments.

Male gouramis tend to be aggressive towards each other and should be kept separately. Female gouramis, on the other hand, usually get along well with each other. It is important to note that male gouramis can become territorial and aggressive towards other males, so they should be kept individually or in a large tank with ample space.

Gouramis are compatible with most similar-sized, peaceful species. They can be kept with larger tetras, livebearers (except fancy guppies), peaceful barbs, most danios, and angelfish. Dwarf gouramis can be kept with corydoras catfish, rasboras, loaches, and platies. However, they may not get along with other labyrinth fish, such as bettas.

Some gourami species, like the gold gourami and kissing gourami, are more aggressive and should only be kept with fish that match their temperament. Other gouramis, like samurai gouramis, are timid and prefer to stay at the bottom of the tank. These shy gouramis will benefit from ample hiding spots and foliage.

It is important to provide gouramis with a spacious tank, appropriate tank parameters, suitable tankmates, and a nutritious diet to ensure their happiness and health.

What do Gouramis Eat?

Gouramis are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they eat insects, worms, slugs, snails, crustaceans, algae, and other plant life. They are not picky eaters and will eat almost anything you feed them. However, if you want to keep them healthy, it is important to feed them a varied diet that is as close to their natural diet as possible.

Gouramis are small fish and don't need much food to feel full. Feed them a portion that they can finish in 2 minutes. You can feed them dried food, such as pellets and flakes, which are convenient and provide a good balance of essential nutrients. However, it is important to vary their diet with live or frozen food at least once a week to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.

Some good live food options include mosquito larvae, baby crickets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and earthworms. If you are feeding earthworms, make sure they have been refrigerated first to kill any parasites. You can also feed them frozen food, such as frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and clams.

In addition to live and frozen food, you can also give them vegetables such as peas and cucumbers. However, make sure to cook the peas first, as raw vegetables can be difficult for fish to digest.

Gouramis Breeding Level

Gourami Breeding Level

Gouramis are a labyrinth fish, which means they have an air-filled breathing hole under their gill covers, allowing them to survive in waters with low oxygen levels. They are a popular choice for fish hobbyists, and most species are easy to breed. However, a few species, like the kissing gourami, giant gourami, and chocolate gourami, are more difficult.

Breeding Tank Setup

When setting up a breeding tank, a height of six inches and room for 10-20 gallons of water is usually sufficient. Cover the bottom of the tank with a thin layer of gravel and place a small sponge or foam filter in one of the corners. Do not use any type of filtration that produces strong water currents, especially if your gourami species is a bubble-nest builder, as the nests are very sensitive and can be ruined by water movement.

The water temperature should be kept in the 74-82°F (24-28°C) range and the pH between 6.6 and 7.6. Lighting should be subdued, and the water movement should be minimal so the bubble nest is not disturbed.

Choosing a Breeding Pair

If you don't already know the gender of your gouramis, males are usually more brightly coloured and have more pointed dorsal and anal fins, while females have more rounded fins and will swell in width when carrying eggs. It is important to choose a healthy pair, with the female visibly gravid and ready to spawn.

Spawning

The female should be introduced to the breeding tank first and given a few days to acclimate and locate hiding spots. The male can then be introduced, and they will begin their mating ritual, which typically takes several hours. The male will often create a bubble nest before mating occurs, and the two fish will dance around each other, with the male cupping the female's body and wiggling against her.

The female will release her eggs (usually hundreds or thousands), and the male will fertilize them. In bubble-nesting species, the male will then pick up the eggs and move them to the bubble nest. In species that do not build nests, the eggs are typically scattered into the water.

Post-Spawning

The female should be removed from the tank soon after spawning, as she may eat the eggs. The male will usually stay to care for the eggs and fry until they are free-swimming, at which point he should also be removed.

Caring for the Fry

The fry will typically hatch within 24-48 hours of spawning and will remain attached to their place of hatching for a few days, consuming the yolk of their egg sac. They will then become free-swimming and will need to be fed specialised food, such as liquid fish food, rotifers, infusoria, or hard-boiled egg yolk pushed through cheesecloth. Feed the fry as often as possible, six times a day or more.

Once the fry are larger, after about four to seven days, they can be fed baby brine shrimp. It will take several weeks for them to grow large enough to be moved to a normal aquarium.

Frequently asked questions