Sphaerichthys Selatanensis (Crossband Chocolate Gourami)

Wild caught Crossband Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys Selatanensis)

Found and collected in Indonesia

Sphaerichthys Selatanensis is a species of freshwater fish belonging to the family Osphronemidae and the genus Sphaerichthys. It is commonly known as the Southern Chocolate Gourami and is endemic to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. The fish is small, reaching a maximum length of around 5 cm, and has a brownish-black body with reddish-brown fins. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its striking appearance and peaceful nature. In the wild, Sphaerichthys Selatanensis inhabits blackwater streams and pools with low to moderate water flow, where it feeds on small invertebrates and aquatic insects.

It is a more uncommon and smaller cousin of the popular Chocolate Gourami. One noticeable difference is that they have a single horizontal stripe across the body.

Difficulty: intermediate to expert
temperament: Peaceful
Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
pH: 4.0-6.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately soft (0-10 dH)
Tank size: Minimum of 20 gallons, but larger tanks are preferable for better water stability.
Substrate: Use a dark substrate to mimic the fish's natural habitat and add plants and driftwood to provide hiding places.
Filtration: Use a gentle filter with low flow to avoid stressing the fish.
Lighting: Low to moderate lighting is recommended, as the fish prefer dimly lit environments.
Water changes: Perform regular partial water changes of 20-30% every two weeks.
Tankmates: Crossband chocolate gouramis are peaceful fish, so they can be kept with other peaceful fish of similar size and water parameters. Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.

It is also important to note that crossband chocolate gouramis are sensitive to water quality and require a well-maintained aquarium. Proper diet and regular water testing are essential for their health and longevity.