Chocolate Gourami: The Complete Care, Habitat, and Breeding Guide

Soft, acidic water and rich plant cover enhance coloration and reduce stress.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 29, 2025

Soft, acidic water and rich plant cover enhance coloration and reduce stress.

The Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides) is a captivating and delicate species prized by aquarists for its unique appearance and fascinating behaviors. This guide provides in-depth, practical advice covering all aspects of Chocolate Gourami care—including tank setup, feeding, social structure, selecting compatible tank mates, breeding, and troubleshooting health concerns.

Species Overview

Scientific Name	Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
Common Name	Chocolate Gourami
Family	Osphronemidae
Origin	Southeast Asia (Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra)
Adult Size	4.5 – 6 cm (1.7 – 2.4 inches)
Lifespan	Up to 4 years in captivity
Temperament	Peaceful, shy, best in groups

Natural Habitat

Chocolate Gouramis inhabit blackwater swamps and slow-moving streams in peat-rich forests. These environments feature soft, acidic water (pH 4.5–6.5), warm temperatures (24–30°C/75–86°F), and dense vegetation. Leaf litter and driftwood provide tannins, darkening the water and reducing stress for these fish. Replicating these features in captivity is crucial for their wellbeing.

Appearance and Sexual Dimorphism

Body shape: Oval and laterally compressed, with a small, pointed mouth and head.
Coloration: Rich chocolate brown to reddish-brown, accented by three to five thin, vertical yellowish or golden stripes.
Fins: Elongated and edged with yellow, slightly forked caudal fin (tail).
Sex differences: Females tend to be plumper, sometimes with a more rounded belly during breeding. Males may have more pointed dorsal and anal fins.

Behavior and Temperament

Chocolate Gouramis are peaceful, slow-moving, and shy fish. They are best kept in groups of at least six to reduce aggression among themselves, as individuals may become timid or stressed in isolation. These fish can be outcompeted for food and bullied by larger, more boisterous tankmates, so care must be taken in tankmate selection.

Aquarium Setup

Tank size: Minimum 20 gallons (76 liters) for a small group of six.
Water conditions: Maintain soft (0–8 dGH), acidic (pH 4.5–6.5) water. High nitrate or fluctuating parameters can be lethal.
Temperature: 25–30°C (77–86°F) for optimal health.
Filtration: Use gentle, efficient filtration to maintain water quality; avoid strong currents.
Substrate: Use dark, fine substrate (sand or fine gravel) to enhance colors and mimic the natural floor.
Decoration: Provide ample hiding places with bogwood, caves, rocks, and especially dense floating and rooted plants for shade and security.
Botanicals: Add leaf litter such as Indian Almond (Catappa) leaves and softwood driftwood to provide tannins and antimicrobial benefits.
Lighting: Use subdued lighting to help reduce stress and enhance natural coloration.
Water changes: Perform small, frequent partial water changes (10–15% weekly) to prevent instability and ensure pristine water quality.

Lifespan and Growth

In captivity under optimal water conditions and diet, Chocolate Gouramis can live up to four years, slightly longer than their average lifespan in the wild, which is around 2–3 years.

Diet and Feeding

Chocolate Gouramis are omnivores but strongly prefer live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods. Dry flakes are generally rejected or eaten only as a last resort. Their diet should be varied to promote coloration, immunity, and vitality:

Live foods: Daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and micro-worms
Frozen: Bloodworms, Cyclops, finely chopped brine shrimp
Algae-based: Occasional spirulina-based foods
Commercial foods: High-quality micro-pellets might be accepted by some individuals if well accustomed

Feeding Tips: Because they are timid, ensure they have unchallenged access to food. Feed small amounts twice a day and remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent water quality issues.

Compatible Tank Mates

Chocolate Gouramis do best with tank mates that are equally peaceful, small, and adapted to soft, acidic water. Some recommended species include:

Small Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin Rasbora, Clown Rasbora)
Little Barbs (e.g., Dwarf Barb, Checkered Barb)
Kuhli Loaches
Pygmy Corydoras (with caution)
Other calm gouramis (avoid larger or more aggressive varieties)
Celebes Rainbowfish
Snakehead Betta (Betta channoides)

Fish larger than 6 cm, aggressive species, or notorious fin-nippers should be avoided, as they may outcompete, harass, or injure Chocolate Gouramis.

Health, Sensitivity, and Common Issues

Fragility: Sensitive to poor water quality and rapid parameter changes. Always acclimate slowly.
Susceptibility: Prone to skin parasites and bacterial infections if stressed or kept in suboptimal conditions.
Prevention: Maintain stable, soft, acidic water; avoid overstocking; isolate new arrivals to prevent disease introduction.
Disease signs: Lethargy, faded colors, rapid gill movement, clamped fins, visible spots or sores

Breeding Chocolate Gourami

Breeding Chocolate Gouramis is a remarkable but challenging endeavor due to their mouthbrooding behavior and water sensitivity.

Breeding Prerequisites

Soft, acidic water (pH as low as 4.5–6.0)
Warmer temperature (27–30°C / 80–86°F)
Well-established, stress-free environment with dense planting and leaf litter

Breeding Process

Pair formation: Place a healthy male and female into a conditioned breeding tank.
Courtship: The male displays and embraces the female; eggs are laid and quickly collected by the female.
Mouthbrooding: Unlike other gouramis, the female Chocolate Gourami is the mouthbrooder, incubating fertilized eggs for up to two weeks.
Fry care: Once released, fry must be provided with infusoria and soon after, baby brine shrimp or microworms.

Remove fry or adults if cannibalism is observed. Raising fry requires spotless water and the same soft, acidic conditions as the adults.

Special Notes for Success

Only add to fully cycled, biologically mature aquariums.
Never expose to sudden water parameter fluctuations.
Use a dark background and substrate to encourage natural behavior and bring out vivid coloration.
Subdued lighting and floating plants help diffuse intense overhead light.
For group harmony, always keep in multiples of six or more.

Chocolate Gourami Varieties and Similar Species

Standard Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides): The typical and most widely kept form.
Giant Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys acrostoma): Closely related but larger and less commonly available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are Chocolate Gouramis suitable for beginners?

A: They are not recommended for beginners due to their sensitivity to changes in water quality and environmental stress.

Q: What is the ideal group size for Chocolate Gouramis?

A: Keep at least six individuals to reduce shyness and aggression; avoid solitary or pairs except for breeding.

Q: Can Chocolate Gouramis be kept with shrimp or snails?

A: Small snails are fine, but adult Chocolate Gouramis might consume tiny shrimp fry. Adult shrimp may coexist, depending on each fish’s temperament.

Q: What is the best way to maintain water parameters?

A: Use reverse osmosis (RO) water or deionized water with peat filtration and botanicals to ensure low hardness and acidic pH. Perform regular small water changes rather than large, disruptive ones.

Q: What are signs of stress in Chocolate Gouramis?

A: Signs include faded coloration, hiding excessively, rapid gill movement, lack of appetite, or developing skin lesions. Remedy involves restoring water quality and reducing disturbances.

Summary: Is the Chocolate Gourami Right for You?

If you appreciate gentle, slow-moving fish and are prepared to maintain pristine, specialized water conditions, Chocolate Gouramis reward diligent aquarists with their striking beauty and intriguing behaviors. With a commitment to biosecurity, proper diet, and thoughtful aquarium design, these Southeast Asian gems will thrive in a dedicated setup, bringing a subtle, natural elegance to any freshwater collection.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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