Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
An expert-only gourami that demands blackwater — soft, acidic, tannin-stained, warm and still. Mouthbrooder. Pairs poorly with most community fish; best in a single-species blackwater biotope with botanicals and floating plants.
Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides) reaches 5–6 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 75 L. Native to Borneo, Sumatra, peninsular Malaysia, it lives in the mid to top water column with a peaceful (delicate) temperament. Aim for 26–30 °C, pH 4.0–6.5, and 0–5 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 3–5 years with good care. Keep chocolate gourami in groups of 4+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: carnivore, Live and frozen small foods — daphnia, baby brine shrimp, micro worms. Most refuse dry food. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Yes (with adults).
Care at a glance
An expert-only gourami that demands blackwater — soft, acidic, tannin-stained, warm and still. Mouthbrooder. Pairs poorly with most community fish; best in a single-species blackwater biotope with botanicals and floating plants.
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The parameters that decide whether chocolate gourami fits in your tank.
Mid to top
Yes
Group of 4+
Osphronemidae
Carnivore
Live and frozen small foods — daphnia, baby brine shrimp, micro worms. Most refuse dry food.
3–5 yrs
Hard
Borneo, Sumatra, peninsular Malaysia
Borneo, Sumatra, peninsular Malaysia
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
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Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides) needs a minimum tank of 75 L. They live in the mid to top water column and should be kept in groups of 4+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 26–30 °C, pH 4.0–6.5, and 0–5 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Yes (with adults). Plant safety: Yes.
Chocolate Gourami are carnivore. Live and frozen small foods — daphnia, baby brine shrimp, micro worms. Most refuse dry food.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 4/5. Advanced, demands dialled-in CO₂/dosing or precise water chemistry. Breeding difficulty: hard.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 3–5 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
