Chocolate Gourami

Family: Belontiidae
Range: Sumatra, Borneo, Malay Peninsula, Malacca
Size: Up to 1¾ inches
Diet: Omnivore
Tank Set-up: Freshwater: Plants
Tank Conditions: 75-86°F; pH 6.0-7.0; dH 2-4
Minimum Tank Capacity: 30 gallons
Light: Medium
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming Level: Middle to bottom
Care Level: Difficult
Reproduction: Mouth Brooder

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. Chocolate Gouramis are considered labyrinth fish, meaning that although they are equipped with gills, they also have a special organ which allows them to also breathe directly from the air. As a result, they must have access to the surface of the water in the aquarium.

The Chocolate Gourami is a delicate fish that should be housed in at least a 30-gallon tank. It can be prone to bacteria and skin parasites, so good water quality is essential. The Chocolate Gourami prefers a well-established, thickly planted tank, with peat extract. Frequent water changes are a must. It does best if kept in pairs and is compatible with other shy, peaceful fish as tank mates.

The best way to differentiate between the male and female is the yellow border that extends along the edge of the male's anal and caudal fins. The Chocolate Gourami is a mouth brooder and a frugal spawner. The male and female will spawn on the bottom of the tank and the female collects the eggs in her mouth. She will hold the eggs for 14 days during which time she does not eat, therefore, it is important that the female be in top condition before breeding.

The Chocolate Gourami is an omnivore and prefers both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide this fish with the proper nutrition.