Sphaerichthys acrostoma

Relatively slender, with a pointed snout; males mouthbrood.

Excited males develop a stripe from the tail base to midbody; in females, scale rows on the front belly and anal-fin base darken, and the throat and fins become redder.

Adult length

Up to 7 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)

Water temperature

21–25 °C

pH

3.5–6.5

Hardness

0–3 dGH

Natural habitat

Primarily inhabits shaded peat swamps and adjoining blackwater streams over leaves and fallen branches, with some possible occurrence in clearwater habitats.

Despite the trade name giant, standard length is 7 cm. Do not identify this species by the compact body or female mouthbrooding of other chocolate gouramis.