Pearl Gourami Chocolate (Trichopodus leerii var.)

The Chocolate Pearl Gourami is an ornamental color variant of Trichopodus leerii, the Pearl Gourami, selectively developed for enhanced deep chocolate-brown to warm reddish-brown base body coloration. The deeper, richer brown base creates striking contrast with the characteristic dense pattern of pearlescent white and silver dots that cover the body and fins — making the pearl-dot pattern appear even more luminous against the dark background.

Aside from the enhanced coloration, the Chocolate Pearl Gourami is biologically identical to the standard Pearl Gourami, sharing the same care requirements, temperament, behavior, and labyrinth organ for atmospheric air breathing. Males develop the characteristic deep orange-red breast and throat coloration during breeding condition, which contrasts beautifully with the chocolate body in this variant.

Pearl Gouramis — including this chocolate variant — are native to the peat swamp forests, blackwater rivers, and slow-moving lowland rivers of peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Sumatra, and Borneo. They are among the hardiest gourami species and far less susceptible to disease than the shorter-lived Dwarf Gourami varieties.

Breeding behavior is identical to the standard Pearl Gourami: males build elaborate bubble nests among floating plants and surface vegetation, court females with fin-spreading displays, and guard the nest aggressively until fry are free-swimming.

Chocolate Pearl Gouramis share identical care requirements with Trichopodus leerii: pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 3–12 dGH, and temperatures 24–28°C. They are moderately adaptable and reasonably forgiving of standard aquarium conditions while showing best coloration in soft, slightly acidic water.

A minimum 120-liter aquarium suits a pair or small group. Dense floating plants (Salvinia, Frogbit), stem plant cover, driftwood, and gentle current provide an ideal environment. Surface area must be accessible for air breathing.

Feed quality flake food, pellets, daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and small bloodworms. They are enthusiastic omnivores that readily accept a wide variety of foods.

Compatible with most peaceful community species: medium tetras, rasboras, corydoras, peaceful catfish, livebearers, and small cichlids. Males may display assertively toward each other — provide adequate space. Avoid nippy species.

Regular water changes of 25–30% weekly maintain water quality and health.