CHOCOLATE GOURAMI (SPHAERICHTHYS OSYMPHOROIDES)
Common Name: Chocolate Gourami
Scientific Name: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
Family: Osphronemidae
Origin: Southeast Asia
 
SPECIES OVERVIEW
The Chocolate Gourami is a beautiful and delicate freshwater gourami recognised for its rich chocolate-brown body, lighter vertical markings and distinctive red-orange coloration around the fins.
Unlike many of the larger gouramis commonly kept in community aquariums, Chocolate Gouramis are peaceful, shy and sensitive fish that require stable, clean water and a carefully maintained aquarium.
They are best suited to peaceful, mature aquariums with plenty of vegetation, shaded areas and hiding places. Their natural behaviour is most apparent when they feel secure and are kept with suitable tankmates.
 
CARE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Aquarium Size: 60 Litres
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Level: Mid to Lower Levels
Diet: Carnivore / Omnivore
Activity: Peaceful and Relatively Slow-Moving
Social Behaviour: Best kept in small groups
 
WATER PARAMETERS
Temperature: 24–30°C
pH: 4.5–6.5
Hardness: Very Soft to Soft
Chocolate Gouramis naturally occur in soft, acidic water and generally do best when kept in similar conditions in the aquarium.
Stable water parameters are extremely important. Avoid sudden changes in pH, temperature or water chemistry.
 
AQUARIUM SETUP
Provide a heavily planted aquarium with plenty of shaded areas and natural cover.
Driftwood, floating plants, leaf litter and dense vegetation can help create the soft, dimly lit environment these fish prefer.
A dark substrate can also help the fish feel more secure and display their natural coloration.
Gentle filtration and good oxygenation are recommended. Avoid strong currents, as Chocolate Gouramis prefer calm water.
 
DIET & FEEDING
Chocolate Gouramis can be fussy feeders and may take some time to settle into an aquarium.
Suitable foods include:
• Frozen bloodworms
• Frozen daphnia
• Baby brine shrimp
• Mysis shrimp
• Small live foods
• High-quality small sinking foods
Offering a varied diet of small foods is recommended.
Newly imported or stressed specimens may initially refuse dry foods, so frozen or live foods can be particularly useful while they settle in.
 
TANKMATES
Chocolate Gouramis are peaceful and should only be housed with other calm, non-aggressive species that appreciate similar soft and acidic water conditions.
Suitable tankmates may include:
• Small Rasboras
• Small Tetras
• Peaceful Small Catfish
• Small Loaches
• Other peaceful soft-water species
Avoid aggressive, highly active or fin-nipping fish that may outcompete or intimidate them.
 
GROUP SIZE
Chocolate Gouramis are social and generally do best when kept in a small group.
Keeping several together can provide confidence and encourage more natural behaviour. Ensure the aquarium contains plenty of visual cover so individual fish can retreat when necessary.
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Chocolate Gouramis are considered a more advanced species due to their sensitivity to water quality, transport stress and changes in water chemistry.
 
They are not recommended for newly established aquariums.
A mature, stable aquarium with soft, acidic water, gentle filtration, dense vegetation and a reliable supply of suitable food will provide the best environment for long-term success.
Chocolate Gouramis are mouthbrooders, with the female taking responsibility for carrying the developing eggs and fry in her mouth.