Identity and origin
- Origin
- Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo
- Identity
- Indonesian Borneo species; accepted name verified
This distinct chocolate gourami completes the four recognised Sphaerichthys species in this collection. Its type record is from the Mentaya system in Kalimantan. It must not be labelled as S. osphromenoides or S. selatanensis based only on a brown body. Its Vulnerable assessment makes provenance and habitat protection especially important.
Habitat and care
Bornean freshwater; the original type locality is in the Mentaya River system. Habitat and identity reference
Use verified species identity and locality-led husbandry. The name giant chocolate gourami does not imply the adult scale of Osphronemus.
Before choosing this species
Care-planning notes. Confirm exact requirements for the species and source population.
- Confirm the adult size and social behaviour of the exact species before planning its aquarium.
- Establish biological filtration and stable water conditions before introducing animals.
- Ask for locality, captive history and the actual animal’s feeding record; a catalogue image cannot provide these.
Evidence record
Conservation record: Vulnerable (VU); assessment year 2019. Conservation source record. This retained reference is an index or secondary record; the direct assessment and date require verification. Check for a newer assessment before making conservation or sourcing decisions.
Catalogue inclusion confirms a research record, not current stock, legal export, or destination-country import permission.
