I am tempted...talk some sense into me! (Samurai Gourami related)

rsanz

rsanz

The Peacock Gudgeon Guy
Aug 22, 2006
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My LFS just got in some GORGEOUS Samurai Gouramis that...seriously...are just stunning. Now, the tank right now that they would go in (if I were to give in to temptation), is a 20-Long and is stocked as follows:

1 Peacock Gudgeon
6 Albino Cories
1 BN Pleco
1 Oto

What do we think? I've read that they are better suited for a species tank because they are more of a blackwater fish, but they are just so spectacular and so rare that I don't want to miss out on an opportunity to score a pair if it will work in my tank.

Lupin? Everyone else? Thoughts? :)
 
I think you're overstocked if you add them. Nevermind that you need more otos for yours to be happy (need at least 6).

Plus, reading Lupin's species profile (found here), it looks like you'd need 6 of them in a minimum of 20g, so they'd need that tank of your for themselves. If I were you, I'd upgrade your current fish to a new tank (30-40g at least to accommodate the cories and BN) and get a group of 6 samurais. IMHO, it's better to pass up a rare opportunity than provide a less than suitable home. Especially if that less than suitable home could end up with their death which not only causes you to waste money but to lose a very cool fish.
 
Yeah, bazil, that's what I have been trying to tell myself to talk myself out of it.

The oto, as I've explained many times before, is a leftover of a previous school which didn't survive my house move. I'm not looking to re-establish the school as I'd like to move the tank in another direction.

Thanks for the input!
 
Ahh, I see. Yeah, I've had that problem too, and it gets so old trying to explain how there's only one of whatever should be in a school. For me it was a rosy red that was the only survivor of about 20.
 
bazil323 said:
Ahh, I see. Yeah, I've had that problem too, and it gets so old trying to explain how there's only one of whatever should be in a school. For me it was a rosy red that was the only survivor of about 20.
Click to expand...

I'm glad you understand! :)
 
These guys are pretty deliberate feeders with very specific water requirements. Considering that they're all wild caught, I feel it's really important to provide the specific requirements they need if you're gonna attempt them. They are paternal mouthbrooders and the females are the ones who control territory, etc. One dominant female and 2 males should be fine in a heavily planted 10 or 15 gallon. IME, once settled in, they are pretty easy feeders, though it'll take a bit of coaxing before they accept most dried/processed foods. I've had great luck with NLS and Ken's food, and no luck with tetra color bits. Another thing to think about, these fish do like dark tanks with lots of cover, so plan accordingly.
 
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