Freshwater
Gourami
More details
Vaillant’s Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys vaillanti)
Pro
Pro
Description
A rare and strikingly beautiful gourami species, Sphaerichthys vaillanti is prized for its deep red and green iridescence, delicate fin extensions, and peaceful demeanor. It’s one of the few mouthbrooding labyrinth fish and a hidden gem for blackwater biotope enthusiasts.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Vaillant’s Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys vaillanti)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Highly sensitive to water parameters and stress. Requires soft, acidic water and expert-level stability.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught due to limited captive breeding. Native habitats are threatened by logging and agriculture in Borneo.
Origin
Endemic to the Kapuas River basin in western Borneo, Indonesia. Found in slow-moving blackwater streams with heavy leaf litter and peat-rich substrates.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Males feature deep crimson coloration with emerald green fins, while females are more subdued. Their gentle movements and vibrant tones add visual serenity. Mouthbrooding behavior makes them captivating to observe in pairs.
Purpose
Serves as a peaceful centerpiece in nano blackwater setups. Provides subtle motion and thrives in low-light, organic-rich environments. Their calm presence supports the harmony of softwater community tanks.
Importance
A rarely seen species that rewards experienced aquarists with unique behaviors and beauty. Encourages biotope-style aquascaping and careful ecosystem balancing.
Included Resources
Requires acidic, soft water (pH 4.5–6.2), with temperatures between 75–82°F. Leaf litter, botanicals, and tannin-rich water are essential. Sponge filtration and stable, cycled tanks are non-negotiable.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for Borneo or Southeast Asian blackwater biotopes, species-only aquariums, or peaceful nano communities. Avoid high-energy or fin-nipping tank mates.
Conservation Context
Native habitats are shrinking due to deforestation and peatland conversion. Sustainable collection and hobbyist awareness play key roles in keeping this species visible and protected.
Ideal Tank Mates
• Chili rasboras
• Sparkling gouramis
• Pygmy corydoras
• Kuhli loaches
• Small peaceful snails
Region (A)
• Latitude: 0.0676° N
• Longitude: 110.4620° E
(Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan, Borneo)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.5330° N
• Longitude: 112.9336° E
(Upper Kapuas River tributaries, Central Borneo)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Vaillant’s Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys vaillanti)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Highly sensitive to water parameters and stress. Requires soft, acidic water and expert-level stability.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught due to limited captive breeding. Native habitats are threatened by logging and agriculture in Borneo.
Origin
Endemic to the Kapuas River basin in western Borneo, Indonesia. Found in slow-moving blackwater streams with heavy leaf litter and peat-rich substrates.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Males feature deep crimson coloration with emerald green fins, while females are more subdued. Their gentle movements and vibrant tones add visual serenity. Mouthbrooding behavior makes them captivating to observe in pairs.
Purpose
Serves as a peaceful centerpiece in nano blackwater setups. Provides subtle motion and thrives in low-light, organic-rich environments. Their calm presence supports the harmony of softwater community tanks.
Importance
A rarely seen species that rewards experienced aquarists with unique behaviors and beauty. Encourages biotope-style aquascaping and careful ecosystem balancing.
Included Resources
Requires acidic, soft water (pH 4.5–6.2), with temperatures between 75–82°F. Leaf litter, botanicals, and tannin-rich water are essential. Sponge filtration and stable, cycled tanks are non-negotiable.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for Borneo or Southeast Asian blackwater biotopes, species-only aquariums, or peaceful nano communities. Avoid high-energy or fin-nipping tank mates.
Conservation Context
Native habitats are shrinking due to deforestation and peatland conversion. Sustainable collection and hobbyist awareness play key roles in keeping this species visible and protected.
Ideal Tank Mates
• Chili rasboras
• Sparkling gouramis
• Pygmy corydoras
• Kuhli loaches
• Small peaceful snails
Region (A)
• Latitude: 0.0676° N
• Longitude: 110.4620° E
(Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan, Borneo)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.5330° N
• Longitude: 112.9336° E
(Upper Kapuas River tributaries, Central Borneo)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Vaillant’s Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys vaillanti)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Highly sensitive to water parameters and stress. Requires soft, acidic water and expert-level stability.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught due to limited captive breeding. Native habitats are threatened by logging and agriculture in Borneo.
Origin
Endemic to the Kapuas River basin in western Borneo, Indonesia. Found in slow-moving blackwater streams with heavy leaf litter and peat-rich substrates.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Males feature deep crimson coloration with emerald green fins, while females are more subdued. Their gentle movements and vibrant tones add visual serenity. Mouthbrooding behavior makes them captivating to observe in pairs.
Purpose
Serves as a peaceful centerpiece in nano blackwater setups. Provides subtle motion and thrives in low-light, organic-rich environments. Their calm presence supports the harmony of softwater community tanks.
Importance
A rarely seen species that rewards experienced aquarists with unique behaviors and beauty. Encourages biotope-style aquascaping and careful ecosystem balancing.
Included Resources
Requires acidic, soft water (pH 4.5–6.2), with temperatures between 75–82°F. Leaf litter, botanicals, and tannin-rich water are essential. Sponge filtration and stable, cycled tanks are non-negotiable.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for Borneo or Southeast Asian blackwater biotopes, species-only aquariums, or peaceful nano communities. Avoid high-energy or fin-nipping tank mates.
Conservation Context
Native habitats are shrinking due to deforestation and peatland conversion. Sustainable collection and hobbyist awareness play key roles in keeping this species visible and protected.
Ideal Tank Mates
• Chili rasboras
• Sparkling gouramis
• Pygmy corydoras
• Kuhli loaches
• Small peaceful snails
Region (A)
• Latitude: 0.0676° N
• Longitude: 110.4620° E
(Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan, Borneo)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.5330° N
• Longitude: 112.9336° E
(Upper Kapuas River tributaries, Central Borneo)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Vaillant’s Chocolate Gourami (Sphaerichthys vaillanti)
Region
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