Chocolate Gourami Tankmates
 

Are chocolate gouramis okay living solitarily? I got one for my 15 gallon tank a bit over a week ago at an LFS and it is doing well, actively exploring the tank. The only other fauna in the tank are two amano shrimp and ramshorn snails. Will it be necessary to get more chocolate gouramis or some other type of fish (something small like Boraras) to keep it company?

This fish should be kept in a small group, in a very well-planted tank. This is a very social species, and males/females will exhibit fascinating interaction, and easily spawn. They are mouthbrooders.

The group can be a trio, with one male and two females. I had mine spawn repeatedly, and a few fry survived which will occur in thickly-planted tanks. You can read more in our profile, click the shaded name Chocolate Gourami.

The downside for this fish is its high susceptability to skin parasitic disease, especially velvet. Pristine water conditions may prevent this.

Byron.

Any idea on how to sex them? Mine around 1.5" in size.

Yes, this is mentioned in the profile.