Common Name/s: Chocolate Gourami.

Scientific name: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides.

Family: Osphronemidae

Origin: Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo.

Maximum size: 2.5 inches.

Care: One of the most delicate species of fish to keep, it is very fussy about water quality and food. It should be kept in a densely planted aquarium with subdued lighting, perhaps under a blanket of floating plants. Water deteriation will leave the fish open to bacterial and fungal infections. Keep a group of 10-12 individuals. A species aquarium deicated to these fish is best. A small peaceful species of loach may be added for example as long as they do not unsettle the Gouramis.

Breeding: Some controversy surronds just how Sphaerichthys osphromenoides (Chocolate Gourami) breeds. This may have something to do with the fact that there are possibly four different types of Chocolate Gourami. Of the two forms which have been observed, Sphaerichthys osphromenoides selatanensis is a mouth brooder in which the male carries the eggs, while the other, Sphaerichthys osphromenoides osphromenoides, has been noted as being both a mouthbrooder, in which the female carries the eggs and a bubblenest builder. Newly hatched Brine Shrimp is the best food for the fry.

Comments: A lovely little fish, but because of the attention it demands it is not common on the commercail market. If you can get a group of these fish settled in they are great to watch and maybe even breed.