Family: Osphronemidae
Distribution: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides, sometimes known as Chocolate Gourami, is a freshwater species found in Sumatra, Borneo and Malaya; it is restricted to peats.
PH: 4.0 – 6.0
Temperature: 24°C – 27C (75 – 81F)
Hardness: 0 – 4 dH
Description: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides can reach a maximum length of around 7 cm. This species is a short-bodied labyrinth fish with a laterally compressed body. Its body is oval-shaped; it has a pointed head and a tiny mouth. Its fins – dorsal and anal – are long; the body has a chocolate brown to red-brown colouration. It also has white-yellow stripes that extend vertically across its body.
Diet: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides can be given flake food and live food, such as brine shrimp, fruit flies and insect larvae.
Breeding: The Chocolate Gourami is a mouthbrooder, but occasionally makes a bubble nest. The adult pair will spawn near the bottom of the tank and you should add a small amount of seawater to spark spawning. The male does the mouthbrooding; the fry will remain in his mouth for 20 – 40 days. Be very careful with the water conditions: the young fry can often die from infections.
Comments: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides should be kept in a tank of at least 20 – 25 gallons. Your tank should have plenty of open swimming areas and several hiding places – wood, rocks or plants – and a dark substrate. Provide a filter that gives only a very light circulation, and make sure the lighting in the tank is dim.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
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