Chocolate Gourami

Sphaerichthys osphromenoides

Chocolate Gourami is a middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

Semi-AggressiveMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Intermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Chocolate Gourami?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Aquarium size: 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 79–88°F (26–31°C)
pH: 4–6.5
GH: 0–3 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 26–31 °C, pH 4–6.5, GH 0–3 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Chocolate Gourami needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Chocolate Gourami should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Small live and frozen invertebrates daily; newly imported individuals may refuse prepared foods, so confirm they eat.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Indonesia, Malaysia.

Important notes

Not a true schooling or shoaling species even though conspecific groups of at least six are recommended.
Slow, selective feeder; boisterous tankmates can cause underfeeding.
Wild fish need soft acidic conditions; captive-bred fish may tolerate harder water.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Batman Betta Betta persephone Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Black-belt Tetra Hemigrammus kuroobi Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Chocolate Gourami get?

Chocolate Gourami reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Chocolate Gourami need?

Use an aquarium of at least 32 US gal (120 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Chocolate Gourami peaceful?

Chocolate Gourami needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Chocolate Gourami?

Keep it between 26 to 31 °C.

Should Chocolate Gourami be kept alone or in a group?

Chocolate Gourami: Keep in a loose group of 6+.