At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Scaled, compact, oval labyrinth fish
A small, rounded gourami in rich chocolate brown, crossed by several golden bands down the flanks. Colour varies a little by locality. Males have a straight lower jaw and more pointed head; females have a rounded throat.31
Personality what they are like
A peaceful, quiet fish that forms a loose pecking order within its group. It prefers calm surroundings and gentle tankmates.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A calm fish that likes a well-planted tank with gentle water movement.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs very soft, acidic, clean water with stable conditions; peat or leaf litter helps recreate blackwater. Gentle filtration and a tight lid.1
Home where they are happiest
Tank with a base of at least 60 x 30 cm (about 54 litres), densely planted with dim lighting. Temperature 24-31 °C, pH 4.0-6.5, hardness 0-3 dGH for wild fish (captive-bred fish adapt to up to about 10 dGH).12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A micropredator that eats tiny crustaceans, worms and insect larvae. Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp nauplii, daphnia, grindal worms and microworms; some learn to take prepared foods.1
Company who they like around
Keep a group of at least six with peaceful, small fish such as small cyprinids and loaches. Avoid boisterous tankmates.1
The story where it all began
Giovanni Canestrini described it in 1860, with the type locality given only as 'Indies'. Its close relative S. selatanensis was split off as its own species from the late 1980s.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Instead of a bubble nest, the female carries the eggs in her mouth for about 1-3 weeks and releases fully formed young.1
- 2
Only one other labyrinth fish, its close cousin S. selatanensis, shares this maternal mouthbrooding habit.1
- 3
Its home waters can be extremely acidic, with pH as low as 3-4.1
- 4
Fish sometimes lie on their side and let others mouth their body, a behaviour still not fully understood.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Data Deficient (assessed 18 January 2019)2
- Taxonomy
- Sphaerichthys selatanensis was once treated as a subspecies but is now a separate species3
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chocolate Gourami. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Chocolate Gourami?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily. Offer only what they can eat in a couple of minutes.1 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Chocolate Gourami eat, and what should it never eat?
They are micropredators that enjoy live or frozen foods like brine shrimp nauplii, daphnia, and microworms. Some may learn to take prepared foods. Avoid large or dry foods they cannot eat, and never feed them anything not meant for fish.1
How much space does a Chocolate Gourami need?
A tank with a base of at least 60 x 30 cm (about 54 litres) is recommended. They need a densely planted setup with dim lighting and gentle water movement.12
What temperature, light or water does a Chocolate Gourami need?
Keep water temperature between 24-31°C, pH 4.0-6.5, and hardness 0-3 dGH for wild fish (captive-bred can adapt to about 10 dGH). Use dim lighting and very soft, acidic water with peat or leaf litter to recreate blackwater conditions.12
How often should I clean a Chocolate Gourami's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly water change of about 25%, along with a weekly water test and glass cleaning. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Chocolate Gourami live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful and do best in a group of at least six. Choose calm, small tankmates like small cyprinids and loaches, and avoid boisterous fish.1
How long does a Chocolate Gourami live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and conditions. For specific expectations, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Chocolate Gourami?
No, they are delicate fish that should never be handled. Always use a soft net if you need to move them, and keep a tight lid on the tank as they may jump.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Seriously Fish: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides (Chocolate Gourami) seriouslyfish.comused for standard length, native range, habitat, tank size, temperature, pH, hardness, diet, compatibility, sexing, breeding
- FishBase: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides, Chocolate gourami fishbase.seused for max length, distribution, habitat, water ranges, IUCN status, uses, breeding biology, author and year
- Wikipedia: Chocolate gourami en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, description, taxonomy and history, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.