Fin's Fish Guide
The Chocolate gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Description
The chocolate gourami is a small labyrinth fish (Osphronemidae) from Southeast Asia. The species is small and has a chocolate-brown body with pale-yellow crossbars. It lives exclusively in blackwater peat swamps with soft, acidic water. Like other labyrinth fishes it can gulp air at the surface with an accessory breathing organ. Notably, the female broods the eggs in her mouth. It feeds on small zooplankton and insect larvae. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chocolate gourami?
The Chocolate gourami has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Labyrinth fish of blackwater peat swamps; the female is a mouthbrooder.
Where does the Chocolate gourami live?
The Chocolate gourami lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeast Asia; blackwater peat swamps.
How big does the Chocolate gourami get?
The Chocolate gourami grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Chocolate gourami dangerous to humans?
No, the Chocolate gourami is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Chocolate gourami edible?
The Chocolate gourami is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Osphronemidae
Want the complete picture on the Chocolate gourami?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chocolate gourami is one of 12,519 species in the app.