Vaillants Gourami

Vaillant's Gourami (Sphaerichthys Vaillanti)

Vaillant's Gourami, also known as Vaillant's Chocolate Gourami, and Samurai Gourami, is a rare and unique fish that stands out in a peaceful community aquarium. These fish exhibit a striking appearance with a mottled pattern of brown, beige, and black, resembling a camouflage.

In addition to their attractive appearance, Vaillants Gouramis have a unique reproductive strategy. These fish are mouthbrooders, meaning the parents protect and incubate the fertilized eggs in their mouths until they hatch. The parent fish will not eat during this period, so it is essential to provide them with ample nourishment before and after the breeding process.

They grow up to 2.5 inches in size and are known for their shy and timid behavior. Vaillants Gouramis are not schooling fish, but they are social and should be kept in small groups of 4-6 individuals to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress.

Vaillants Gouramis are peaceful and best suited for community aquariums with similarly sized, non-aggressive tank mates. When it comes to choosing tank mates, compatibility is crucial. Ideal companions for Vaillants Gouramis include small, peaceful species like tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras catfish. These fish will coexist harmoniously with Vaillants Gouramis without causing any unnecessary stress or competition.
Avoid keeping them with larger, aggressive species that may stress them out or cause harm.

Vaillants Gouramis have a carnivorous diet and thrive on live and frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Their diet should be varied to ensure proper nutrition.

These fish require a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots, such as driftwood and caves. Vaillants Gouramis also appreciate a dimly lit aquarium, which can be achieved by using floating plants to diffuse the light and create a more natural environment.

Due to their timid nature, Vaillants Gouramis may take some time to acclimate to their new environment. Providing a stress-free environment is vital for their overall health. They prefer aquariums with calm water and minimal surface movement, as they are found in slow-moving or stagnant waters in the wild. A sponge filter or an air-driven filtration system is ideal for creating a gentle water flow that won't stress the fish.

A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for these gouramis. The water should be soft and slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5, hardness between 1 and 5 dGH, and a temperature range of 77°F to 84°F (25°C to 29°C).

Vaillants Gouramis are highly sensitive to water quality, so maintaining a stable, clean environment is crucial for their well-being. Perform regular water changes and utilize an efficient filtration system to ensure optimal conditions.