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: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Food and Feeding

Chocolate Gouramis are omnivorous but have a preference for live and frozen foods. To maintain their health and coloration, their diet should include high-quality flake or micro pellets supplemented with meaty foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, Cyclops, and finely chopped brine shrimp. Since they are slow and timid feeders, ensure that they get enough food without competition from faster tankmates.

Origin

Chocolate Gouramis (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides) originate from the acidic, tannin-rich waters of Borneo, Sumatra, and Malaysia. These fish inhabit blackwater environments, where the water is soft and stained dark due to decomposing organic matter. Their natural habitat consists of slow-moving streams, peat swamps, and heavily vegetated waters.

Sexing

Sexing Chocolate Gouramis can be challenging, but during spawning season, males display a more pronounced red body color, whereas females develop a distinctive black spot on the tail fin. In general, females tend to have a rounder body shape when carrying eggs.

Breeding

Chocolate Gouramis are mouthbrooders, unlike many other gourami species that build bubble nests. To successfully breed them, follow these key steps:

Water Conditions: Maintain soft, acidic water (pH 4.5 - 6.0) with a temperature of 27 - 30°C (80 - 86°F).
Spawning Behavior: The male persuades the female to spawn in an open area, after which he fertilizes the eggs.
Mouthbrooding: The female incubates the eggs in her mouth for 7-14 days. During this period, she may hide and refuse to eat.
Fry Release: After the incubation period, the female releases fully developed fry that are ready to swim.
Fry Diet: Feed the fry Cyclops, rotifers, Infusoria, and powdered fry food for their first meals.

Lifespan

Chocolate Gouramis have an average lifespan of 4 years, but with excellent water conditions and a well-balanced diet, they may live slightly longer.

Suitable Tankmates

Due to their shy and delicate nature, Chocolate Gouramis should be kept with other peaceful, slow-moving fish that thrive in soft, acidic water. Ideal tankmates include:

Harlequin Rasboras and Burmese golden rasbora (gentle schooling fish).
Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras (similar blackwater species).
Pygmy Corydoras (small, peaceful bottom-dwellers).
Otocinclus Catfish (help control algae without disturbing the gouramis).

Avoid keeping them with boisterous or fin-nipping fish such as Tiger Barbs as Chocolate Gouramis are easily stressed.

Best Plants for a Chocolate Gourami Tank

Chocolate Gouramis feel most comfortable in densely planted aquariums that mimic their natural habitat. The best plant choices include:

Java Fern – Low-light, easy to care for.
Amazon Sword – Provides large leaves for hiding.
Floating Plants – Helps dim the lighting and reduce stress.
Java Moss – Great for fry protection.
Cryptocoryne – Mimics their natural blackwater environment.

Adding dried Indian Almond Leaves can help lower the pH naturally and provide beneficial tannins to mimic their native waters.

Short Description

The Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides) is a delicate, peaceful species known for its striking striped brown and gold coloration. They are more challenging to keep than other gouramis, as they require soft, acidic water conditions and a carefully maintained diet. Their coloration and patterns can change based on their mood, making them a fascinating addition to a well-planted, calm aquarium.

Unlike many gouramis, they are mouthbrooders, with the female carrying the eggs in her mouth until the fry hatch. Due to their sensitivity to water conditions, they are best suited for experienced aquarists who can maintain stable parameters.