Chocolate Gourami Care
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
The chocolate gourami is a small, gentle labyrinth fish from Southeast Asian peat swamps and blackwater streams. It is sensitive to changing water quality and may be reluctant to accept dry foods when first acclimated. A mature, stable aquarium with warm, very soft and acidic water, subdued light and calm tankmates is important. Keep the species in a group and offer small live or frozen foods daily. Sources conflict about which parent carries the young in its mouth; this guide makes that disagreement clear rather than hiding it.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 26–31 °C
- pH
- 4.0–6.5
- GH
- 0–3 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 60 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 54 L
- Adult size
- Up to 5 cm
- Group size
- At least 6 individuals
- Temperament
- Peaceful
About this species
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides Canestrini, 1860 belongs to Osphronemidae and is commonly called the chocolate gourami. It occurs on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. This small labyrinth fish can use atmospheric air. Do not confuse it with the related Sphaerichthys selatanensis; trade names and photographs can be misleading. The specialist aquarium source reports a maximum of about 5 cm standard length.
Natural habitat
The chocolate gourami is associated with peat swamps, blackwater and slow-moving habitats. Such waters are often mineral-poor, acidic and rich in organic matter. Leaves, wood and shaded areas can provide similar structure in an aquarium. This is not a reason to change water chemistry abruptly: stability and a mature biological filter are essential.
Aquarium and layout
Seriously Fish gives a 60 × 30 cm footprint and around 54 litres as a starting point for a group. Use fine substrate, wood, roots, leaf litter and abundant shelter. Choose plants that tolerate dim light and soft water, such as Cryptocoryne or Java fern when conditions suit them. Filter gently; strong flow and large water changes can cause problems when replacement water differs substantially. A lid keeps the air layer warm and humid while leaving access to the surface.
Water conditions
The specialist aquarium source recommends 26–31 °C, pH 4.0–6.5 and 0–3 dGH for wild fish. It says captive-bred fish may sometimes adapt up to about 10 dGH, but hardness should never be raised quickly. FishBase describes ecological values of 24–27 °C, pH 4–6 and dH 0–4; these are not universal aquarium targets. Ask about origin and previous water conditions. Keep the aquarium mature, stable and clean without strong flow.
Behaviour and group size
The chocolate gourami is slow-moving and can be intimidated or outcompeted at feeding time by larger, more active fish. Seriously Fish recommends a group of at least six. Hierarchies form, and dominant fish may chase others from food or a preferred resting place. Provide several shelters and spread food around the aquarium. Choose tankmates only after checking temperament, adult size, water needs and feeding competition; a dedicated species setup is often safest.
Feeding
This micropredator eats small crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and other zooplankton. Some individuals initially refuse dried foods. Offer small live or frozen foods daily, such as Artemia nauplii, Daphnia, grindal worms or microworms. Introduce prepared food gradually and confirm that every fish is eating. A calm feeding routine and several feeding points reduce competition. Remove leftovers to protect water quality in this sensitive aquarium.
Breeding
Sources conflict about mouthbrooding. Seriously Fish describes the chocolate gourami as a maternal mouthbrooder: after spawning, the female collects the eggs and carries them for about 7–20 days. A FishBase summary instead names the male as the brooding parent. This guide follows the detailed species-specific account and flags the discrepancy. Calm surroundings, dense cover and stable water quality are important. The young are released fully formed and need very small live foods immediately.
Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .