Chocolate Gourami: Where To Buy?

The Chocolate Gourami, also known as Sphaerichthys osphromenoides, is a distinctive freshwater fish species native to the blackwater peat swamps of Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, and Indonesia. It is easily recognised by its velvety brown body, beige vertical stripes, and broad tail. Chocolate Gouramis are peaceful fish, known for their attractive appearance and charming demeanour. They are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to their unique colour patterns and social behaviour. Chocolate Gouramis can be purchased from specialist aquatic retailers, such as Arizona Aquatic Gardens, Blackwater Aquatics, and Aqua Imports, with prices ranging from $39.99 to $85.95.

Online stores

Chocolate gourami, also known by its scientific name, Sphaerichthys osphromenoides, is a peaceful, fun breed of fish native to Malaysia. It features beautiful yellow stripes along its greenish-brown body and a distinctive dark spot at the base of its tail. Chocolate gouramis are known for their gentle and shy nature, and they are popular in the aquarium hobby due to their unique colour pattern and social behaviour.

Aqua Imports

Aqua Imports is a store based in Boulder, Colorado, that offers a wide range of tropical fish, reptiles, and aquarium-related products. They have chocolate gourami available for purchase, and their website provides detailed information about the species, including its preferred water parameters and diet.

Arizona Aquatic Gardens

Arizona Aquatic Gardens is a family-owned fish farm that ships live plants and livestock across the United States. They offer chocolate gourami, with a minimum order of two fish. Their website provides detailed care instructions and specifications for the fish, including information on shipping and acclimation.

Aquarium Fish Depot

Aquarium Fish Depot is an online retailer that offers a wide variety of gourami species, including the gold honey dwarf gourami, powder blue dwarf gourami, and red flame dwarf gourami. They offer free shipping on orders over $349 and provide regular and sale prices for their fish.

AllPondSolutions

AllPondSolutions is a UK-based retailer that offers a range of aquarium and pond products, including fish, tanks, and accessories. They have chocolate gourami available for purchase and provide detailed information about the species, including its care requirements and compatibility with other fish. They also offer free delivery within the UK and easy returns.

Local pet shops

If you're looking to buy a chocolate gourami, it's worth checking out your local pet shops. These fish are quite popular, so you may be able to find them at a store near you. Here are some tips to help you in your search:

Start by calling or visiting your local pet stores to ask if they carry chocolate gouramis. It's a good idea to call ahead to save yourself a trip in case they don't have them in stock. Ask about their sourcing and care practices to ensure the fish are healthy and responsibly sourced.

When visiting pet shops, take note of the environment the chocolate gouramis are kept in. These fish require specific water conditions, such as warm, slightly acidic water with a pH between 4.0 and 7.2. Ask the store staff about their water maintenance practices and how they care for their fish.

Look for stores that specialise in aquatics or tropical fish. These shops are more likely to carry chocolate gouramis and other exotic fish. They will also typically have knowledgeable staff who can provide detailed information about the fish's care requirements.

Don't be afraid to ask questions! Inquire about the size of the chocolate gouramis they have in stock, as well as their diet and compatibility with other fish. A good pet shop should be able to provide you with comprehensive care instructions and recommendations.

Consider the store's return policy and customer support. In the event that you experience any issues or need further assistance, it's important to know what options are available to you. Look for stores that offer support and guidance even after your purchase.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding healthy chocolate gouramis at your local pet shops and ensure that you have the knowledge and resources to care for them properly. Remember to be a responsible fish owner and do your research before bringing any new fish into your home.

Fish farms

Chocolate gouramis are tropical freshwater fish that are native to Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. They are known for their unique colouration, ranging from dark chocolate brown to reddish-brown and greenish-brown, with yellow-white stripes. These fish are slow-moving and peaceful, making them a fascinating yet challenging species to keep as they require special care.

Chocolate gouramis can be purchased from fish farms such as Arizona Aquatic Gardens, which ships its fish across the United States. The farm offers two varieties of chocolate gourami: the regular chocolate gourami (*Sphaerichthys osphromenoides*) and the Crossband Chocolate Gourami (*Sphaerichthys selatanensis*). The former is native to Malaysia and has yellow stripes on its greenish-brown body, while the latter is distinguished by one or two horizontal markings. Arizona Aquatic Gardens ships these fish in groups of at least two, with a minimum size of around 1.5 inches and a maximum size of 2.5 inches.

Another fish farm that sells chocolate gouramis is Aqua Imports, based in Boulder, Colorado. Their chocolate gouramis are native to Indonesia and have a maximum size of 2.5 inches. Aqua Imports recommends keeping these fish in a 10-gallon tank with soft, slightly acidic water and adding tannins to the water using Indian Almond Leaves or Bark.

Chocolate gouramis are also available from AquariumFish.com, which offers a 15% discount on all purchases. The website provides limited information about the fish, but they are described as "terrific pet fish" for nano and planted tanks.

Specialist aquatics stores

Chocolate gouramis are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to their attractive appearance and peaceful demeanour. They are native to the blackwater peat swamps of Malaysia and Indonesia, and can also be found in Sumatra and Borneo. These fish are known for their brownish-black body with reddish-brown fins and beige or yellow vertical stripes. They are small, reaching a maximum length of around 2.5 inches.

When purchasing chocolate gouramis, it is important to buy from a reputable specialist aquatics store that prioritises the health and well-being of their fish. These stores will have the knowledge and expertise to provide proper care and husbandry for these unique fish. Here are some things to consider when choosing a specialist aquatics store:

• Store reputation and reviews: Research the store's reputation and read reviews from previous customers. Look for stores with a strong track record of selling healthy, well-cared-for fish.
• Staff knowledge: Opt for stores with knowledgeable staff who can provide detailed information about the chocolate gouramis' care requirements, diet, and habitat needs. They should be able to answer any questions you have and ensure you are equipped with the necessary information to successfully care for these fish.
• Source of the fish: Inquire about the source of the chocolate gouramis. Reputable stores should be able to provide information on the origin of their fish, including whether they are wild-caught or bred in captivity. Wild-caught fish should be sustainably sourced without damaging their natural habitats.
• Health and appearance: Observe the overall health and appearance of the chocolate gouramis in the store. Healthy fish should be active, have bright colours, and show no signs of injury or disease. Avoid stores where fish appear cramped or stressed, as this may indicate poor conditions.
• Water quality and habitat setup: Specialist aquatics stores should maintain excellent water quality and have properly set-up habitats for their chocolate gouramis. The water should be clean, well-filtered, and within the appropriate pH range (around 4.0 to 7.2 for chocolate gouramis). The habitat should include live plants, rocks, and driftwood to provide hiding places and mimic their natural environment.
• Diet and nutrition: Ensure the store provides a suitable diet for the chocolate gouramis. These fish are omnivores and require a varied diet of high-quality frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, microworms, and daphnia. Ask about their feeding practices and the types of food they offer.
• Compatibility with other fish: Chocolate gouramis are peaceful fish that prefer the company of their own kind. Inquire about the compatibility of chocolate gouramis with other fish species you may have or plan to introduce to your aquarium. Specialist stores should be able to provide guidance on creating a harmonious community tank.
• After-sales support: Choose a store that offers ongoing support and advice even after your purchase. This can be valuable, especially if you are new to keeping chocolate gouramis or encounter any issues with their care.

Some examples of specialist aquatics stores that appear to sell chocolate gouramis include Arizona Aquatic Gardens, Blackwater Aquatics, and Aquatics Unlimited. These stores offer detailed care instructions and provide shipping services to ensure the safe delivery of your fish.

Tropical fish stores

If you're looking to buy a chocolate gourami, there are several tropical fish stores that can help. Chocolate gouramis are a popular choice for aquarium owners due to their attractive appearance and peaceful demeanor. Here are some places you can consider:

• Aquatics Unlimited: They offer a wide range of freshwater fish, including the chocolate gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides). Aquatics Unlimited provides detailed care and dietary requirements for the fish, ensuring that you have the necessary knowledge before purchasing. They suggest a minimum tank size of 20 gallons for a small group of chocolate gouramis and emphasize the importance of weekly water changes and specific water parameters.
• Arizona Aquatic Gardens: This family-owned fish farm offers chocolate gouramis, and they ship their livestock proactively. They provide helpful information about the species, including their preference for a well-established tank with live plants, rocks, and driftwood. Arizona Aquatic Gardens recommends a minimum order of two chocolate gouramis and suggests that they do better in groups.
• BWAquatics: Specializing in freshwater fish, BWAquatics offers the Crossband Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys Selatanensis), which is a less common cousin of the regular chocolate gourami. They provide detailed information about the species' habitat and care requirements, including specific recommendations for substrate, lighting, and water changes.
• Aqua Imports: Located in Boulder, Colorado, Aqua Imports carries a variety of tropical fish, including the chocolate gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides). They provide information about the fish's preferred water parameters and recommend a tank size of at least 10 gallons. Aqua Imports also suggests ways to create the ideal water conditions for this species.
• Dan's Fish: With a location in Wyoming, United States, Dan's Fish offers chocolate gouramis (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides) and provides estimated shipping sizes. They highlight the bold patterns, peaceful behavior, and graceful movement of these fish. Dan's Fish also mentions that chocolate gouramis are mouthbrooders, with the female incubating the eggs in her mouth.
• The Wet Spot Tropical Fish: This online store offers a range of tropical freshwater fish, including the chocolate gourami (Sphaerichthys osphromenoides). They provide a Livestock Guarantee Policy and emphasize the importance of independent research before purchasing a fish you are unfamiliar with.

When purchasing chocolate gouramis, it is important to consider the specific care requirements of this species, including their preferred water parameters, dietary needs, and social behavior. These fish are known for their peaceful nature and unique coloration, making them a popular choice for experienced aquarium enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions