Chocolate Gourami

Just as the name implies, chocolate gourami have a pleasant chocolate color (but probably not a pleasant chocolate taste) and are terrific pet fish in nano and planted tanks. These fish may be kept with other nano tank species, including fancy shrimp, and will eat flake food. However, chocolate gourami are not tolerant of hard, high-pH water, so try to keep it at 7.0 or below.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: These are blackwater fish: they need very soft, acidic water, dim lighting, a gentle filter and lots of plants and leaf litter. Peat or Indian almond leaves help tint and soften the water. Keep a lid on the tank and leave a gap of air above the water, since gouramis breathe from the surface and warm, humid air protects their labyrinth organ. Change small amounts of water often rather than large amounts at once.

Feeding: Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Many will learn to take fine flake or micro pellets once settled. They also enjoy small frozen foods like brine shrimp.

Tankmates: Keep them only with tiny, gentle fish that like the same soft, acidic water, such as small rasboras and pygmy corydoras. Avoid anything boisterous or larger.

Good to know: Chocolate gouramis are sensitive to sudden changes, so change small amounts of water often and keep conditions stable.