Chocolate Gourami

Description

Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides)

Elegant, rare and incredibly rewarding, the Chocolate Gourami is one of the most sought-after blackwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Its rich chocolate-brown body, subtle cream bands and peaceful nature make it a true jewel for experienced aquarists.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
  • Common name: Chocolate Gourami
  • Adult size: 5–6 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: πŸ”΄ Advanced
  • Temperament: Peaceful and shy
  • Best kept: Groups of 6 or more

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You have experience keeping soft-water tropical fish.
  • You're creating a blackwater or biotope aquarium.
  • You enjoy rare and unusual species.
  • You appreciate subtle beauty and natural behaviours.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You're new to fishkeeping.
  • Your aquarium has hard or alkaline water.
  • You keep active or aggressive community fish.
  • Your aquarium is newly established.

Why choose Chocolate Gouramis?

Chocolate Gouramis are among the most elegant labyrinth fish available. Native to the peat swamps of Malaysia, Indonesia and Borneo, they inhabit tannin-rich blackwater environments where soft acidic water, leaf litter and dense vegetation dominate the landscape.

Their beautiful chocolate-brown body is highlighted by creamy vertical bands and delicate iridescent blue edging on the fins. Rather than relying on bright colours, Chocolate Gouramis captivate aquarists with their refined appearance and graceful movements.

Unlike many gouramis, Chocolate Gouramis are maternal mouthbrooders, with females carrying fertilised eggs and young in their mouths until they are ready to swim freely. This unique breeding strategy makes them especially fascinating to experienced hobbyists.

Benefits

  • Beautiful chocolate and cream colouration
  • Unique maternal mouthbrooding behaviour
  • Ideal for authentic blackwater aquariums
  • Peaceful temperament
  • Excellent species for experienced aquarists
  • Rarely seen in typical community aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 25–29Β°C
  • pH: 4.5–6.5
  • Diet: Live foods, frozen foods and quality micro pellets
  • Water: Very soft, clean, stable and gently filtered
  • Setup: Blackwater aquarium with leaf litter, botanicals, driftwood, floating plants and subdued lighting
  • Perform small, regular water changes while maintaining stable water chemistry.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Licorice Gouramis
  • Peaceful small rasboras
  • Kuhli Loaches
  • Small blackwater catfish
  • Other Chocolate Gouramis
NTA Insight:
Chocolate Gouramis are often considered difficult, but they're actually very rewarding when their environment matches their natural habitat. Soft acidic water, botanicals, dim lighting and minimal disturbance are the keys to success. Once settled, they're calm, fascinating fish that display remarkable breeding behaviour rarely seen in other gourami species.

FAQ

How big do Chocolate Gouramis grow?

Adults usually reach around 5–6 cm, making them ideal for specialised planted and blackwater aquariums.

Are Chocolate Gouramis suitable for beginners?

No. They require soft, acidic water with stable conditions and are best suited to experienced aquarists.

Can they live in community aquariums?

Yes, but only with very peaceful fish that enjoy similar soft, acidic water conditions. Quiet blackwater community aquariums are ideal.

Why are they called Chocolate Gouramis?

Their rich chocolate-brown body colour, combined with pale vertical bands, gives them their distinctive appearance and common name.

What makes Chocolate Gouramis unique?

Unlike most gouramis, females are maternal mouthbrooders, carrying fertilised eggs and developing fry in their mouths until the young are ready to swim independently.

Chocolate Gourami

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Out of stock,  

$20.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides)

    Elegant, rare and incredibly rewarding, the Chocolate Gourami is one of the most sought-after blackwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Its rich chocolate-brown body, subtle cream bands and peaceful nature make it a true jewel for experienced aquarists.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
    • Common name: Chocolate Gourami
    • Adult size: 5–6 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: πŸ”΄ Advanced
    • Temperament: Peaceful and shy
    • Best kept: Groups of 6 or more

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You have experience keeping soft-water tropical fish.
    • You're creating a blackwater or biotope aquarium.
    • You enjoy rare and unusual species.
    • You appreciate subtle beauty and natural behaviours.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You're new to fishkeeping.
    • Your aquarium has hard or alkaline water.
    • You keep active or aggressive community fish.
    • Your aquarium is newly established.

    Why choose Chocolate Gouramis?

    Chocolate Gouramis are among the most elegant labyrinth fish available. Native to the peat swamps of Malaysia, Indonesia and Borneo, they inhabit tannin-rich blackwater environments where soft acidic water, leaf litter and dense vegetation dominate the landscape.

    Their beautiful chocolate-brown body is highlighted by creamy vertical bands and delicate iridescent blue edging on the fins. Rather than relying on bright colours, Chocolate Gouramis captivate aquarists with their refined appearance and graceful movements.

    Unlike many gouramis, Chocolate Gouramis are maternal mouthbrooders, with females carrying fertilised eggs and young in their mouths until they are ready to swim freely. This unique breeding strategy makes them especially fascinating to experienced hobbyists.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful chocolate and cream colouration
    • Unique maternal mouthbrooding behaviour
    • Ideal for authentic blackwater aquariums
    • Peaceful temperament
    • Excellent species for experienced aquarists
    • Rarely seen in typical community aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 25–29Β°C
    • pH: 4.5–6.5
    • Diet: Live foods, frozen foods and quality micro pellets
    • Water: Very soft, clean, stable and gently filtered
    • Setup: Blackwater aquarium with leaf litter, botanicals, driftwood, floating plants and subdued lighting
    • Perform small, regular water changes while maintaining stable water chemistry.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Licorice Gouramis
    • Peaceful small rasboras
    • Kuhli Loaches
    • Small blackwater catfish
    • Other Chocolate Gouramis
    NTA Insight:
    Chocolate Gouramis are often considered difficult, but they're actually very rewarding when their environment matches their natural habitat. Soft acidic water, botanicals, dim lighting and minimal disturbance are the keys to success. Once settled, they're calm, fascinating fish that display remarkable breeding behaviour rarely seen in other gourami species.

    FAQ

    How big do Chocolate Gouramis grow?

    Adults usually reach around 5–6 cm, making them ideal for specialised planted and blackwater aquariums.

    Are Chocolate Gouramis suitable for beginners?

    No. They require soft, acidic water with stable conditions and are best suited to experienced aquarists.

    Can they live in community aquariums?

    Yes, but only with very peaceful fish that enjoy similar soft, acidic water conditions. Quiet blackwater community aquariums are ideal.

    Why are they called Chocolate Gouramis?

    Their rich chocolate-brown body colour, combined with pale vertical bands, gives them their distinctive appearance and common name.

    What makes Chocolate Gouramis unique?

    Unlike most gouramis, females are maternal mouthbrooders, carrying fertilised eggs and developing fry in their mouths until the young are ready to swim independently.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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