Chocolate gourami
| Chocolate gourami | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | S. osphromenoides
|
| Binomial name | |
| Sphaerichthys osphromenoides Canestrini, 1860
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
The chocolate gourami, Sphaerichthys osphromenoides, is a species of gourami native to the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.[1] Chocolate gouramis reach a length of 6 cm (2.4 in).[1] These fish have a chocolate colour with golden bands running down their bodies.
Ecology
They are restricted to peat habitats.[1] Unlike many other labyrinth fish, which breed by incubating their eggs in a bubble nest, this species is a mouthbrooder.[1] The female incubates the eggs in her mouth.[2] They are omnivorous, but feed primarily on insects.[1]
In the aquarium
They are popular aquarium fish, but are challenging to keep. Without optimum water conditions, they are susceptible to bacterial infections and skin parasites.[2] Chocolate gouramis are best kept on their own in well-planted aquaria with gentle filtration. They require soft, acidic water; most of all, they prefer a higher temperature than most fish. Tank emperature should be maintained at 25–27°C (77–81°F).[2] They are generally fussy eaters, preferring to eat live foods or freeze-dried, frozen equivalents over flake food.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d e Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Sphaerichthys osphromenoides". FishBase. February 2014 version.
- ^ a b c Sanford, Gina (1999). Aquarium Owner's Guide. New York: DK Publishing. ISBN 0-7894-4614-6.
- ^ Axelrod, Herbert R. (1996). Exotic Tropical Fishes. T.F.H. Publications. ISBN 0-87666-543-1.
- "Sphaerichthys osphromenoides". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 18 April 2006.
