General Information: A delicate species of fish to keep, they make Discus look positively hardy.
Compatibility: Possible Tankmates include Harlequin Rasbora and Eye-Spot Rasbora. Can be very aggressive with each other, and larger tanks are recommended to keep groups of six or more. They live in family groups outsiders may not be accepted. They are peaceful towards other small gentle fish. But Chocolate Gouramis are very delicate and they are unlikely to live very long in an average community tank.
Sexing: It's a mouth brooder. Sex differences are not very significant in low breeding activity periods, but are outstanding when breeding. Males show a pronounced cream/white edge mainly on the dorsal fin, and a more intense reddish body. Females are rounder and acquire a less intense colour, showing a dark spot on the tail fin. Sometimes the male has a yellow border along the edge of it's fins
Breeding/Spawning:
To initiate breeding, use peat extract and a pH 0f 6.2. Reduce the water level and raise the water temperature gradually over two days by 2°C. Then add some cooler water to the tank. When spawning, the female will hold the eggs in her mouth for 14 days, during which she does not eat, therefore she must be in prime condition.
Coloration:
Brown coloured (it gets its name from that), with several cream coloured stripes, which change according to its mood. It also shows a characteristic cream, brown and black pattern on the anal and part of the tail fin.
Maintenance:
A delicate species of fish to keep they make Discus look positively hardy. You must maintain perfect water conditions in a mature, planted tank to prevent bacterial infections and skin diseases. Keep these fish only if you can provide the right conditions, and keep them steady. Water quality is crucial Prefer darker tanks, floating plants,
Andrews, C. 1986 A Fishkeeper's Guide to Fish Breeding. Salamander, London. 117 pp., color illus.
Boggs, Sallie S. 1981. Mouthbrooding Bettas (Betta pugnans, B. picta, B. taeniata, B. brederi). FAMA 9/81.
Lucas, Gene A. 1987. Betta pugnax: Observations on a large mouthbrooding Betta. FAMA 3/87.
Mills, D. 1984 A Fishkeeper's Guide to Community Fishes. Tetra Press, Morris Plains, NJ. 117 pp., some color.
Pinter, H. 1986 Labyrinth Fish. Barron's, Woodbury, NY. 144 pp., some color illus.
Richter, Hans-Joachim 1988 Gouramis and Other Anabantoids. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 224 pp.er,
Vierke, J. 1986 Vierke's Aquarium Book. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 352 pp.
Vierke, J. 1988 Bettas, Gouramis and Other Anabantoids: Labyrinth Fishes of the World. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 192 pp., color illus.
Follow the above recommendations and you should have a joyful Gouramis experience. Send any questions, comments or pictures to Ask An Expert If you are interested in helping out visit our contributions page.
References/Further Reading
Andrews, C. 1986 A Fishkeeper's Guide to Fish Breeding. Salamander, London. 117 pp., color illus.
Boggs, Sallie S. 1981. Mouthbrooding Bettas (Betta pugnans, B. picta, B. taeniata, B. brederi). FAMA 9/81.
Lucas, Gene A. 1987. Betta pugnax: Observations on a large mouthbrooding Betta. FAMA 3/87.
Mills, D. 1984 A Fishkeeper's Guide to Community Fishes. Tetra Press, Morris Plains, NJ. 117 pp., some color.
Pinter, H. 1986 Labyrinth Fish. Barron's, Woodbury, NY. 144 pp., some color illus.
Richter, Hans-Joachim 1988 Gouramis and Other Anabantoids. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 224 pp.er,
Vierke, J. 1986 Vierke's Aquarium Book. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 352 pp.
Vierke, J. 1988 Bettas, Gouramis and Other Anabantoids: Labyrinth Fishes of the World. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 192 pp., color illus.
