Edit Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
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Name
Scientific name
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
Described by
Authority Canestrini, Year 1860
Family
Osphronemidae
Common names
Chocolate Gourami
Photograph credits
All 8 credited
Summary
The chocolate gourami, Sphaerichthys osphromenoides, is a small gourami from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. By far the best known…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
50mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 26–31°C, pH 4–6.5
Hardness
0–3dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Indonesia, Malaysia, Belitung, Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Batang Hari, Endau, Johor, Kapuas
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Type locality is given simply as 'Indies' by Canestrini but this is by far the most widely distributed species in the genus being native to much of Peninsular …
Habitat
Mostly inhabits peat swamps and associated black water streams though is also found in some clear water habitats. The former are located in forested areas and …
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base dimensions of 60 ∗ 30 cm or more is suitable for a group.
Maintenance
Provided adequate cover and structure is available this species is unfussy with regards to décor with ceramic flowerpots, lengths of plastic piping and other a…
Water conditions
Temperature: 26 – 31 °C pH: Wild specimens will require a value within the range 4.0 – 6.5 in order to thrive, but tank-raised individuals are normally more ad…
Diet
Chiefly a micropredator feeding on small aquatic crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and other zooplankton. It can be a little picky in the aquarium and initiall…
Behaviour and compatibility
Tankmates must be chosen with care since this species is slow-moving and will easily be intimidated or outcompeted for food by larger/more boisterous tankmates…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males exhibit a uniformly straight lower jaw profile and an overall more acuminate head shape than females, in which the lower jaw is slightly rounded du…
Reproduction
Historically there has been some confusion surrounding this species' method of reproduction with some sources listing it erroneously as a bubblenester or pater…
Notes
The genus Sphaerichthys currently comprises four species with S. osphromenoides by far the best known in the hobby. It's easily distinguishable from the congen…
References
References
7 on this profile