Giant Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys acrostoma) for Sale in Canada
The Giant Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys acrostoma) is one of the rarest and most sought-after gourami species in the aquarium hobby. Native to the peat swamp forests and blackwater streams of Borneo, this beautiful fish is admired for its rich chocolate-brown body, elegant finnage, and peaceful personality.
Unlike common gourami species, the Giant Chocolate Gourami requires soft, acidic blackwater conditions and is best suited for experienced aquarists who can provide a stable, mature aquarium. When maintained properly, this rare species displays remarkable colours and fascinating natural behaviours that make it a prized addition to specialty aquariums.
Monster Aquarium Canada proudly offers healthy Giant Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys acrostoma) with professional live fish shipping throughout Canada.
Why Choose Giant Chocolate Gourami?
One of the Rarest Gouramis in the Aquarium Hobby
Giant Chocolate Gouramis are prized for their:
Unique Features
Premium Characteristics
- Rare and highly collectible species
- Rich chocolate-brown coloration
- Elegant body shape
- Peaceful temperament
- Ideal for blackwater aquariums
- Excellent display fish for experienced hobbyists
- Fascinating parental behaviour
- Highly sought after by collectors
Their rarity and unique appearance make them a standout species in specialized freshwater aquariums.
Care Requirements
Aquarium Size
A minimum 30-gallon aquarium is recommended for a small group, while 40 gallons or larger is ideal for long-term care.
Recommended aquarium setup:
- Mature biological filtration
- Very gentle water flow
- Heavily planted aquarium
- Driftwood
- Leaf litter
- Botanical décor
- Floating plants
- Dim lighting
- Secure aquarium lid
Stable water conditions are essential for this sensitive species.
Water Parameters
- Scientific Name: Sphaerichthys acrostoma
- Common Name: Giant Chocolate Gourami
- Adult Size: Approximately 4–4.5 inches (10–11 cm)
- Temperature: 25–29°C (77–84°F)
- pH: 4.5–6.5
- GH: 0–5 dGH
- KH: 0–3 dKH
- Care Level: Advanced
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore
- Swimming Level: Middle
- Lifespan: Approximately 5–8 years
Feeding Your Giant Chocolate Gourami
Giant Chocolate Gouramis thrive on a varied, protein-rich diet.
Recommended Foods
- Premium micro pellets
- Frozen bloodworms
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Blackworms
- Live mosquito larvae
- Live baby brine shrimp
- Small live invertebrates
Newly imported specimens may initially prefer live or frozen foods before accepting prepared diets.
Ideal Aquarium Setup
A natural blackwater aquarium closely resembles their native habitat.
Recommended Features
- Driftwood
- Indian Almond Leaves
- Alder cones
- Java Fern
- Bucephalandra
- Cryptocoryne species
- Floating plants
- Dark sand substrate
Botanical materials help create the soft, tannin-rich water conditions they prefer.
Compatible Tank Mates
Giant Chocolate Gouramis should only be housed with peaceful species that tolerate soft, acidic water.
Suitable companions include:
- Chocolate Gouramis
- Licorice Gouramis
- Small Rasboras
- Pencilfish
- Peaceful Corydoras adapted to soft water
- Small peaceful loaches
Avoid:
- Aggressive fish
- Large cichlids
- Fast-moving species
- Fin nippers
- Boisterous community fish
Behaviour
Giant Chocolate Gouramis are shy and peaceful.
Natural Behaviour
- Calm and slow-moving
- Prefer heavily planted environments
- Thrive in small groups
- Easily stressed by aggressive fish
- Display fascinating breeding behaviour
Providing a quiet aquarium helps them develop confidence over time.
Breeding
Unlike many gouramis, the Giant Chocolate Gourami is a maternal mouthbrooder.
Breeding Tips
- Extremely soft, acidic water
- Stable water quality
- High-quality live foods
- Minimal disturbance
- Dense vegetation
The female incubates the eggs in her mouth until fully developed fry are released.
Why Buy Giant Chocolate Gourami from Monster Aquarium Canada?
Premium Healthy Aquarium Fish
Every Giant Chocolate Gourami is selected for:
- Excellent health
- Strong body condition
- Natural coloration
- Active behaviour
- Premium aquarium quality
Professional Live Fish Shipping Across Canada
Monster Aquarium Canada carefully packages every live fish using professional shipping methods to help ensure safe arrival across Canada.
Canada’s Trusted Aquarium Supplier
Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in premium freshwater fish, rare tropical fish, monster fish, freshwater shrimp, crayfish, aquatic snails, aquarium plants, fish foods, medications, and aquarium supplies for hobbyists throughout Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Giant Chocolate Gouramis suitable for beginners?
No. They are considered an advanced species due to their need for stable, soft, acidic blackwater conditions.
2. How large do Giant Chocolate Gouramis grow?
Adults typically reach 4–4.5 inches (10–11 cm).
3. Are Giant Chocolate Gouramis peaceful?
Yes. They are extremely peaceful and should only be kept with calm, compatible species.
4. What makes Giant Chocolate Gouramis unique?
They are one of the few gourami species that are maternal mouthbrooders, with females carrying the eggs in their mouths until the fry hatch.
5. Does Monster Aquarium Canada ship Giant Chocolate Gouramis across Canada?
Yes. Monster Aquarium Canada provides professional live fish shipping throughout Canada, helping your Giant Chocolate Gouramis arrive healthy and ready for their aquarium.
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