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I've read a lot about these delicate fish, but some questions still remain unanswered about them. How low should the NO3 levels in the tank be? Preferably a range.
Are they compatabile with Licorice Gouramis? Are they mouthbrooders or nest-builders(I've read there are varying subspecies with different breeding methods)? Thanks

I'm not absolutely sure on the nitrate levels, but below 10ppm would probably be fine for this species.

These shy fish are usually compatible with licorice gouramis, as the licorice fish are pretty shy themselves. Occasionally, you will run across a more outgoing (and perhaps bossy) fish from one of these species, but this does not happen often. As long as you don't have too many males of either species, you should be okay.
However, there is one major compatibility issue: the chocolate gourami likes higher temperatures than the licorice does. Chocolates prefer temps of around 81 degrees, whereas the licorice gourami is happier around 77 or so. If you want to keep both of these fish together, try to find a middle range, but stay on the chocolate gourami's side of the range. They are the more delicate of the two, so that should be taken into consideration.

From what I've read of the species, they tend to be mouthbrooders, with the female holding the eggs. There is an excellent article on the subject of breeding these fish [link=here]http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/breeding/Xema_Chocolate_Gourami.html" style="COLOR: #808080[/link].

Hopefully this will provide you with all the information you need. Welcome to Fish Profiles!

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I too have read that they're mouthbrooders.

They require excellent water quality and specific water conditions: 77-81°, pH 5.5 to 6.5, 2-3dGH. Gentle filtration is recommended, even to the point of using a sponge filter.

The November 2004 issue of Aquarium Fish Magazine has a good article on chocolate gouramis if you're a subscriber or can get old issues.

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