Sphaerichthys osphromenoides

(Canestrini, 1860)

Vernacular names
English : Chocolate gourami
French : Gourami chocolat

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Anabantiformes
Family : Osphronemidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 6 cm in length. Coloration variable, from dark olive-brown to chocolate brown. Each flank scales has dark margins giving a particular net-like pattern. Big yellow eyes, small pointed snout with small mouth. Body is deep and laterally compressed. Two dark-edged vertical cream to white bars on flanks and additional smaller white markings. Black blotch on top part of tail peduncle.

Range and habitat
The species is found patchily in the southern two thirds of peninsular Malaysia, central and southern Sumatra and western Borneo (Kalimantan). The species’ favored habitat is blackwater streams in peat swamp forests but it also occurs in acidic clear water in swamp forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : DATA DEFICIENT
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a fairly big range but has been severely impacted by the pollution of rivers and the destruction of peat swamps for industrial-scale plantations. It is also collected in fairly big numbers for the pet trade. The species likely belongs in one of the threatened categories of the Red List but it needs to be reassessed with precise data on populations.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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