No photo yet
Sign in to add the first photo.
Sharpnose Chocolate Gourami
Sphaerichthys acrostoma
Also known as Pointed-Mouth Chocolate Gourami, Acrostoma Chocolate Gourami
Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Osphronemidae
The Sharpnose Chocolate Gourami is a small, peaceful labyrinth fish native to Southeast Asia, known for its rich brown coloration and distinctive pointed snout. These shy, gentle fish are best kept in small groups and prefer heavily planted tanks with dim lighting. They are excellent for planted aquariums and community setups with similarly peaceful species.
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in
- 3 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Group
- 4+
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 5.5-7.0
- GH
- 36–143 ppm
- 2–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Top
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Feed small live foods such as daphnia, micro worms, and brine shrimp 2-3 times daily. Supplement with high-quality micro pellets and occasional blanched vegetables. These fish have small mouths and require appropriately sized food items.
Behavior
Sharpnose Chocolate Gouramis are shy, schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 4 to feel secure. They spend most of their time in the middle water column, exploring plants and substrate. They are nocturnal feeders and prefer dimly lit environments with plenty of vegetation for shelter.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They are bubble nest builders, but require very specific conditions including soft, acidic water and dense vegetation. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria and liquid fry food.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar size and peaceful temperament; compatible water parameters
Small, peaceful, and thrives in similar warm, soft water conditions
Peaceful algae eater that won't compete for food or space
Provides shelter and creates ideal planted tank environment
Dense vegetation offers security and natural food sources
Member photos
Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Sharpnose Chocolate Gourami to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Velvet Disease (Oodinium), Bacterial Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily 25% water changes, use salt baths or medication containing malachite green if severe
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, reduce stress, use antibacterial medication if bacterial infection is confirmed
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden dust on body, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, scratching behavior
Increase temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), dim lighting, use copper-free medication, perform daily water changes
Bacterial Infection
Sores on body, torn fins, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite
Improve water quality, isolate affected fish, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication, maintain pristine tank conditions
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it.
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in3 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal38 L
- Group
- 4+
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 5.5-7.0
- GH
- 36–143 ppm2–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Top
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
Keep Sharpnose Chocolate Gourami? Share how it's going.
Nobody has shared one yet. A few lines on how they've done in your tank help the next keeper.