Our Guide To Keeping Vaillant's Chocolate Gourami Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Sphaerichthys vaillanti
   • Common name: Vaillant's Chocolate Gourami
   • Family: Osphronemidae
   • Origin: Southeast Asia
   • Adult length: 5 cm
   • Lifespan: 3 to 5 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Vaillant's Chocolate Gouramis prefer a densely planted tank with subdued lighting to mimic their natural habitat. A minimum tank size of 40 litres is suitable for a small group of these fish.
   • Include floating plants like Indian Fern and Java Moss to provide cover and create shaded areas in the tank.

3. Water Parameters:

   • These gouramis thrive in soft, slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
   • Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Opt for a gentle filtration system to maintain water quality without creating strong currents.

5. Diet:

   • Vaillant's Chocolate Gouramis are omnivores and prefer small live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
   • Offer them a varied diet including high-quality flake or pellet food supplemented with live or frozen foods to ensure proper nutrition.

6. Tank mates:

   • These gouramis are peaceful and should be kept in small groups of 3 to 5 individuals in a community tank.
   • They are compatible with other small, peaceful fish species like rasboras, small tetras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Vaillant's Chocolate Gouramis are shy and prefer peaceful tank mates. Avoid keeping them with larger or more aggressive fish that may intimidate them.
   • Provide plenty of hiding spots and dense vegetation to help these fish feel secure and reduce stress.