
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
A beautiful gourami with chocolate body and gold vertical stripes. Challenging but charming.
The chocolate gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides) is a labyrinth fish native to the highly acidic blackwater streams and peat swamp forests of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Growing to 4–6 cm, its rich chocolate-brown body crossed by creamy white to yellow horizontal bands, edged with yellow on the fins, carries an elegant, understated beauty that captivates dedicated hobbyists. Despite possessing the labyrinth organ typical of gouramis, this species is considered one of the most challenging freshwater fish to maintain. Its native blackwater habitat has a pH of 3–5 and near-zero mineral content — replicating these extreme conditions with soft, very acidic water (pH 4.5–6.0), driftwood, peat filtration, and tannin additions (catappa leaves, alder cones) is essential. Chocolate gouramis are acutely stress-sensitive: water quality fluctuations, bright lighting, and strong flow must all be minimized. Breeding is via mouthbrooding — the female incubates eggs in her buccal cavity. This is a species for experienced aquarists who appreciate the challenge and subtlety of extreme biotope keeping.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Chocolate Gourami lives 3-5 years.
The Chocolate Gourami grows to 5-6cm.
The ideal temperature for the Chocolate Gourami is 25〜28℃.
Water temperature should be maintained at 26–30°C.
Origin
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides Canestrini, 1860
Synonyms: Osphromenus malayanus Duncker, 1904, Sphaerichthys malayanus (Duncker, 1904), Sphaerichthys osphromenoides osphromenoides, Sphaerichthys osphronemoides Canestrini, 1860
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / CITES Appendices (Checklist)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
5-6cm
Temperature
25〜28℃
Frozen food, Live food
Acidic soft water (pH 4.5-6.5)
Maintain 25-28°C. Its native water is extremely acidic and soft (pH 3-5); recreating something close with driftwood, peat moss, and tannins is the key.
May be difficult to adapt to artificial feed
Very stress-sensitive; avoid both bright light and strong current. A dim, quiet setup is best.
Sensitive to water. Blackwater environment ideal
A mouthbrooder: the female incubates the eggs in her mouth. Though a labyrinth fish, it is far harder to keep than other gouramis.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Chocolate Gourami is 25〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Chocolate Gourami is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Chocolate Gourami typically reaches 5-6cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Chocolate Gourami feeds on: Frozen food, Live food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Chocolate Gourami varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 24, 2026