Species profile
Chocolate Gourami
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
Peaceful
Hard care
90 L minimum aquarium
4.5–6 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
A specialist fish, not a general community gourami. Avoid hard alkaline water, unstable new tanks and fast, competitive feeders.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
4–6.5
GH
0–4 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.8
Generally peaceful but socially complex. Best in a calm group with gentle tankmates; individuals may spar or establish hierarchy without requiring aggressive-community treatment.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
4–6 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
90 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
Alternative names
Chocolate Gourami
Native range
Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo.
Natural habitat
Peat-swamp/blackwater specialist. Keep in very soft, acidic, warm water with subdued light, leaf litter, roots and floating cover. Stability and low dissolved waste are critical.
Diet & feeding
Micro-predator. Many specimens feed poorly on dry food initially; provide small live/frozen foods such as Artemia, daphnia, mosquito larvae and similar invertebrates, gradually adding quality prepared foods if accepted.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexing is difficult outside breeding condition; subtle colour/fin differences are unreliable compared with observed courtship and brooding.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder. Courtship and brooding are sensitive to disturbance; soft acidic water and quiet tankmates are important.