Chocolate gourami
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides · Osphronemidae
Also known as Chocolate
Advanced
A beautiful blackwater specialist and a mouthbrooder — demanding water, not a starter fish.
In short: A chocolate gourami needs at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 26–30 °C (79–86 °F) and pH 4–6. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 6 or more, and rated advanced to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C (79–86 °F)
- pH
- 4–6
- Adult size
- 5 cm (2 in)
- Group size
- 6+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C (79–86 °F)
- pH
- 4–6
- Hardness
- 0–5 dGH
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Diet
- Carnivore-leaning — live and frozen daphnia, bloodworm, brine.
- Care level
- Advanced
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Acidic peat swamp forests under leaf litter
- Natural conditions
- Very soft, very acidic, tannin-rich, warm and still water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 6 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- Chili rasboraSparkling gouramiKuhli loach
- Avoid
- Hard waterBoisterous fishBright light
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Males have a straighter jaw and pointed anal fin.
- Notes
- Female mouthbroods the eggs for about two weeks.
- Common ailments
- Bacterial infection in hard waterVelvetRefusing dry food
Will it fit your tank?
Sign in and AquaLog compares Chocolate gourami against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.
Sign in to check my tanks
