Sphaerichthys osphromenoides – Chocolate Gourami
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides is also called Chocolate Gourami. The name Chocolate Gourami is not reserved for the Sphaerichthys osphromenoides because its relatives Sphaerichthys vaillanti, Sphaerichthys acrostoma and Sphaerichthys selatanensis are also called Chocolate Gourami. However, the osphromenoides is the one that is relatively easiest to keep. Relative because they are still sensitive to water quality, bacteria and parasites.
The name says it all, this fish is chocolate brown in color with dark vertical bands on its body. Its first pelvic fin ray is thread-like elongated, the dorsal and pelvic fin are white-rimmed and it has gold-colored stripes across its body. The males have a nicer color than the females, the females are more gray-brown.
The Aquarium
The aquarium should be decorated with a lot of plants. Shelter is very important for this species to feel comfortable. In the wild they live in small bodies of water with many plants and little current. The many plants also provide shelter for the young. It is better to transfer the fry to a breeding net in the aquarium. The parents do not actively hunt the young, but if given the opportunity they will not hesitate to eat one.
In nature, fish have to deal with fluctuating temperatures. Keeping fish at the minimum or maximum temperature for a long time is not always desirable and can shorten their average lifespan.
Diet
The diet in the wild consists mainly of small insects, small aquatic animals and occasionally newly born young. In the aquarium they take almost all types of food. They do better if they are regularly given small live food such as water fleas and brine shrimp.
Breeding Sphaerichthys osphromenoides – Chocolate Gourami
Contrary to previous belief, the Chocolate Gourami is a mouth brooder. During courtship, the couple cicles around each other just above the substrate. This can be a flat stone or above the sand. Above sand, the circling creates a small depression in which the eggs are deposited. After fertilization by the male, the female takes the eggs into her mouth to incubate them. After about 2 weeks the female spits out the young. The spitting happens so quickly that it seems as if the young are being fired. After spitting out, the young are not taken back into the mouth.
Conclusion
As mentioned, a fairly difficult species to keep and not really suitable for the community aquarium. If you want to keep multiple species, build the stock around the Chocolate Gourami, taking its requirements and needs into account. They are easily suppressed, so do not keep them together with busy, bossy species.
Video
Author
Coby – J. de Lange
Copyright images
Peggy Pastora
