Sharpnose chocolate gourami

Sphaerichthys acrostoma

Also known as Giant chocolate gourami, Pointed-mouth chocolate gourami, Sharp-nosed chocolate gourami

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 4.0–6.5
Adult size: 2.8 in (7 cm)
Minimum tank: 24 gal (90 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Difficult
Breeding: Hard
Rarity: Very rare
Origin: Mentaya River drainage in Central Kalimantan, Borneo, in acidic blackwater habitats.
Family: Osphronemidae

Overview

Keep a group in a 90 litre blackwater tank at 22 to 26 C with very soft, acidic water around pH 4.0 to 6.5, plenty of leaf litter, and dim light. Feed small live and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworm, as it is a fussy micropredator that often refuses dried food. It is peaceful and retiring, so give it a quiet species tank or very calm tankmates. It prefers slightly cooler water than most blackwater fish, so avoid high temperatures.

In the wild

Found in soft, acidic, tannin-stained blackwater of the Mentaya drainage, among cover in shaded forest waters. It is the largest of the chocolate gouramis and has a noticeably pointed, elongated snout. The water is mineral-poor and often cooler than most tropical blackwater. It keeps to leaf litter and submerged wood in dim conditions.

Good to know

Sphaerichthys acrostoma is a member of the family Osphronemidae and the biggest of the chocolate gouramis at around 6 to 7 cm. It is a paternal mouthbrooder, with the male carrying the eggs and fry in his mouth. Its pointed snout and larger size set it apart from the other Sphaerichthys species.