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Chocolate Gourami

Chocolate Gourami

Posted by Max Gandara on on 14th May 2025

Chocolate Gourami: The Sweet Delight of Your Aquarium

The Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys osphronemoides) is one of those fish that leaves aquarists in awe with its unique coloration and peaceful demeanor. Named for its rich, chocolate-brown hues, this freshwater species is as striking as it is tranquil. But don’t let its beauty fool you—it requires special care and attention, making it best suited for experienced hobbyists who are up for a challenge.

Let’s dive into what makes the Chocolate Gourami so special and how to care for this unique fish!

What is a Chocolate Gourami?

The Chocolate Gourami is a small, peaceful fish native to the swamps and slow-moving rivers of Southeast Asia, particularly in Borneo and Sumatra. It belongs to the family Osphronemidae and is related to other gourami species like the Dwarf Gourami and Pearl Gourami.

This fish is known for its rich brown coloration, accented with lighter spots and a soft, chocolate-like sheen across its scales. Their calm and serene nature, combined with their beautiful appearance, makes them an appealing choice for aquariums—though they come with a few care requirements that set them apart from other species.

Key Facts:

  • Scientific Name: Sphaerichthys osphronemoides

  • Size: 2–3 inches (5–7 cm)

  • Lifespan: 5–7 years

  • Temperament: Peaceful and shy

  • Tank Level: Mid to bottom-dweller

Tank Setup: Creating the Ideal Environment

Chocolate Gouramis thrive in conditions that mimic their natural habitat—dark, soft, slightly acidic water with plenty of plants and hiding spots. They are shy, and so the tank setup should offer them both cover and calm surroundings.

Minimum Tank Size:

  • 20 gallons for a pair or small group

  • Larger tanks are better for stability, especially in community setups

Ideal Habitat:

  • Substrate: Soft, fine sand or smooth gravel

  • Décor: Dense plants (like Java moss or Anubias), driftwood, and leaf litter

  • Water Conditions: Slightly acidic, soft water with low light

  • Filtration: Gentle filtration; Chocolate Gouramis don’t do well with strong water currents

Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

  • pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic)

  • Hardness: Soft water (3–8 dGH)

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (they are sensitive to water quality)

Regular water changes (20–30% per week) are important to maintain high water quality and ensure their health.

Diet: A Simple, Carnivorous Appetite

Chocolate Gouramis are omnivorous but have a preference for live foods in their diet, though they will accept high-quality flakes and pellets.

Ideal Foods:

  • Live foods: Daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small insect larvae

  • Frozen foods: Frozen bloodworms, mosquito larvae, and brine shrimp

  • Pellets: High-quality sinking pellets designed for small fish

While they can eat prepared foods, live or frozen foods help them thrive, keeping them active and in top condition. It’s best to feed them small portions 2–3 times per day.

Tank Mates: Choosing the Right Companions

Chocolate Gouramis are peaceful and shy by nature, so they prefer being kept with other calm and non-aggressive fish. They can be kept in small community tanks but should not be housed with any overly boisterous or aggressive species.

Best Tank Mates:

  • Small peaceful fish: Neon Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, or Endler’s Livebearers

  • Other Gouramis: Dwarf Gouramis or Pearl Gouramis (if the tank is large enough)

  • Bottom-dwelling species: Small catfish like Corydoras

Avoid:

  • Aggressive species: Betta fish, cichlids, or large predatory fish

  • Fast swimmers: Larger species like barbs that may outcompete them for food

The Chocolate Gourami is best kept in a species-only tank or with peaceful tankmates that won’t overwhelm its quiet nature.

Behavior: Shy and Peaceful

Chocolate Gouramis are not active swimmers like some other species. They tend to stay in the mid to bottom levels of the tank, hiding among plants and seeking shelter in darker areas. Their shy nature means that they are best kept in aquariums with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress.

  • Shy and Reserved: These gouramis often prefer to stay in groups or pairs, and they can be seen hiding or exploring their surroundings at a leisurely pace.

  • Calm: They are not territorial but may be overwhelmed by overly aggressive or large fish.

  • Nocturnal Behavior: Chocolate Gouramis may become more active during dusk and dawn, so you might see them exploring more in dim lighting or at night.

Health and Common Issues

Chocolate Gouramis are sensitive to poor water quality and can suffer from various health issues if not provided with stable, soft water conditions.

Common Health Concerns:

  • Water Quality Issues: Sensitive to ammonia and nitrites; they thrive in clean, well-filtered water.

  • Fungal Infections: Like many species of Gouramis, they can develop fungal infections if water conditions are poor.

  • Stress-related diseases: Poor tankmates, lack of hiding spots, or too much movement can stress them out and lead to health problems.

To avoid these issues, always quarantine new arrivals, keep the water parameters stable, and provide a proper diet.

Final Thoughts

The Chocolate Gourami is a stunning addition to any peaceful aquarium. Though it’s a bit more delicate than some other species, its unique appearance, gentle nature, and shy, mysterious demeanor make it a true jewel for those who are up for the challenge.

With proper care, a Chocolate Gourami can be a long-lived and captivating pet, offering beauty and serenity to any aquarium it inhabits.

Pro Tip: If you’re new to gouramis or fishkeeping in general, consider starting with Dwarf Gouramis or Pearl Gouramis, which are slightly hardier, before taking on the more delicate Chocolate Gourami.