Scientific name: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides

• • Common name: Chocolate Gourami
  • Family: Osphronemidae
  • Origin: Southeast Asia, specifically found in the peat swamp forests of Borneo and Sumatra
  • Adult length: 5 cm
  • Lifespan: 3 to 5 years

Tank Setup:

Chocolate Gouramis require a heavily planted aquarium with dense vegetation and subdued lighting to mimic their natural habitat.

They prefer soft, acidic water conditions, so adding driftwood and dried leaves (such as Indian almond leaves) can help achieve these conditions.

Water Parameters:

Chocolate Gouramis thrive in soft, acidic water with a pH range of 4.0 to 6.0.

Maintain a water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).

Filtration and Water Flow:

A gentle water flow is suitable for Chocolate Gouramis, so choose a filter that provides minimal disturbance to the water surface.

Diet:

Chocolate Gouramis are carnivorous and prefer live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Offer them a variety of high-quality flake or pellet food as well to ensure a balanced diet.

Tank mates:

Chocolate Gouramis are peaceful fish and should be kept with similarly sized, peaceful tank mates.

They can be kept in a species-only tank or with other small, peaceful fish species such as small rasboras, tetras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.

Behavior and Compatibility:

Chocolate Gouramis are shy and peaceful fish that prefer a calm environment.

They may become stressed if housed with aggressive or boisterous tank mates, so choose tank mates carefully.