Fish comparison
Chocolate Gourami vs Otocinclus (Common)
How the Chocolate Gourami and Otocinclus (Common) compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Chocolate Gourami vs Otocinclus (Common)
The Chocolate Gourami and the Otocinclus (Common) come up together a lot when people are choosing a fish, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 26 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 6.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Otocinclus (Common) is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Chocolate Gourami rewards a bit more attention. If tank space is tight, the Otocinclus (Common) needs less room to feel settled; give the Chocolate Gourami the nod when you have the litres to spare.
Group compatibility overview
Good fit
Workable as-is, only minor advisories to plan around.
1 warning · 3 notes
Temperature
- Chocolate Gourami26–30 °C
- Otocinclus (Common)20–26 °C
pH
- Chocolate Gourami4–6.5
- Otocinclus (Common)6–7.5
Hardness
- Chocolate Gourami0–5 dGH
- Otocinclus (Common)2–10 dGH
What to plan for
- Tight temperature windowThe overlap is only 26–26 °C. Heater stability matters more than usual; consider an external controller.
- Chocolate Gourami schools, stock at least 4You've planned for 1 chocolate gourami. Chocolate Gourami need a group of at least 4 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
- Otocinclus (Common) schools, stock at least 6You've planned for 1 otocinclus (common). Otocinclus (Common) need a group of at least 6 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
- Demanding species presentChocolate Gourami are difficulty 4+. Stable parameters and weekly maintenance are non-negotiable.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishChocolate GouramiSphaerichthys osphromenoides |  FishOtocinclus (Common)Otocinclus vittatus |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Borneo, Sumatra, peninsular Malaysia | Northern and central South America |
| Family | Osphronemidae | Loricariidae |
| Temperature | 26–30 °C | 20–26 °C |
| pH | 4.0–6.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 0–5 | 2–10 |
| Flow rate | Very low | Medium to High |
| Min tank | 75 L | 60 L |
| Adult size | 5–6 cm | 3.5–5 cm |
| Difficulty | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 3–5 yrs | 3–5 yrs |
| Diet | Carnivore | Herbivore (algae) |
| Water column | Mid to top | Bottom (grazes everywhere) |
| Schooling | Yes | Yes |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Yes (with adults) | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Chocolate Gourami and Otocinclus (Common) together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 26 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 6.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Chocolate Gourami or the Otocinclus (Common)?
The Otocinclus (Common) is the easier of the two, closer to middle-of-the-road, while the Chocolate Gourami leans demanding.
Do Chocolate Gourami and Otocinclus (Common) need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 26 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 6.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Chocolate Gourami and the Otocinclus (Common)?
Space. The Chocolate Gourami wants about 75 litres minimum and the Otocinclus (Common) around 60, so tank size can settle it.