Giant Chocolate Gourami

Sphaerichthys acrostoma

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

PeacefulMiddle 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 Giant Chocolate Gourami?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 70–77°F (21–25°C)
pH: 3.5–6.5
GH: 0–3 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
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: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–25 °C, pH 3.5–6.5, GH 0–3 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Giant Chocolate Gourami is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

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

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Primarily small live/frozen invertebrates; many imported fish initially reject dry foods.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Indonesia.

Similar fish profiles

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

Bintan Licorice Gourami Parosphromenus bintan Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1" (≤ 2.6 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Batman Betta Betta persephone Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Blackline Tail Tetra Moenkhausia costae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blue Panchax Aplocheilus panchax Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Giant Chocolate Gourami get?

Giant Chocolate Gourami reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Giant Chocolate Gourami need?

Use an aquarium of at least 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Giant Chocolate Gourami peaceful?

Yes. Giant Chocolate Gourami is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Giant Chocolate Gourami?

Keep it between 21 to 25 °C.

Should Giant Chocolate Gourami be kept alone or in a group?

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