Chocolate gourami

The chocolate gourami, Sphaerichthys osphromenoides, is a species of gourami native to the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Chocolate Gourami earned its name from its brown color appearance. Chocolate gouramis reach a length of 6 cm (2.4 in).

It belongs to the labyrinth fish species that can rely on oxygen derived from normal atmosphere air for breathing. These fish have a chocolate colour with golden bands running down their bodies. The Chocolate Gourami is a peaceful fish that is greenish-brown with pearly-yellow stripes running vertically along its body. There is a dark, almost black 'spot' bordered in yellow at the base of the tail. This gourami makes a rewarding challenge for the advanced hobbyist, especially in breeding pairs.

They require soft, acidic water; most of all, they prefer a higher temperature than most fish. The fish is one of the hardest to keep because they have extremely sensitive requirement with regards to overall tank water quality. Tank temperature should be maintained at 25–27°C (77–81°F) for chocolate gourami. They are not supposed to be used as starter fish for yet to be fully cycled new fish tank and if for any reason, there’s a fluctuation in the nitrite or nitrate level, they will turn sick easily.

An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition. 

Quick stats, scientific classification and care info of chocolate gourami:  

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Care Level: Difficult

Temperament: Peaceful

Water Conditions: 75-86° F, KH 2-4, pH 6.0-7.6

Max. Size: 2½"

Color Form: Tan, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Origin: Borneo, Malacca, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Osphronemidae

Genus: Sphaerichthys

Species: S. osphromenoides

Binomial name: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides Canestrini, 1860