Chocolate gourami - Sphaerichthys osphromenoides

Scientific name: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides

Common name: Chocolate gourami

Family: Osphronemidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 5 - 6 cm (1.97 - 2.36 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 4.5 - 6.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 0 - 8°N (0 - 142.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 25 - 30 °C (77 - 86°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Oceania

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Food and feeding

Chocolate gouramis will accept all foods but use quality flake or pellets. Meaty foods should also be offered.

Origin

Chocolate gouramis originate from Borneo, Sumatra, and Malaysia.

Sexing

During spawning season the male will display a more pronounced red body color and the female will develop a black spot on her tail fin.

Breeding

Unlike most Gouramis, these fish do not build bubble nests, they are mouth brooders. The male will persuade the female to spawn in an open area and then he will fertilize the eggs. The female will “brood” the eggs in her mouth for up to 8 days, during this time she may hide and stop eating. When the female has released the fry after day 8 they should be persuaded to feed straight away, Cyclops and rotifers are ideal for them.

Lifespan

The average life span is 4 years.

Short description

Sphaerichthys osphromenoides can be a difficult species to keep, they are very fussy about water conditions and there stripes can change color depending on the mood of the fish.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.