Genus · Gouramis

Parasphaerichthys

Parasphaerichthys is a genus with 2 species in this atlas, catalogued in the Gouramis section, recorded from Myanmar. Adult sizes run from 0.5 in to 2 in. Every species below links to a full researched profile.

Species in atlas
2
Adult sizes
0.5–2 in
IUCN assessed
2 of 2
Recorded from
Myanmar

About the genus

Parasphaerichthys is a genus of tiny gouramis endemic to Myanmar, closely related to the chocolate gouramis (Sphaerichthys) of the anabantoid family Osphronemidae - the para- prefix in the genus name signals that close kinship directly. Atlas species are diminutive even by dwarf-gourami standards, spanning roughly 0.5–2 in, with the compact, rounded body and small mouth typical of the chocolate-gourami group.

Parasphaerichthys lineatus, the mini chocolate gourami, and P. ocellatus, the eyespot gourami, are known mainly to specialist gourami keepers rather than the general aquarium trade, and like their Sphaerichthys relatives they are generally associated with soft, acidic blackwater habitats - conditions that make them a demanding rather than a beginner fish where they are kept at all. One species is assessed Least Concern and the other Not Evaluated, so the conservation picture for the genus is only partly resolved.

IUCN Red List: Least Concern · 1 Not Evaluated · 1

The 2 species

Every Parasphaerichthys recorded in this atlas. Each card links to a full researched profile — distribution, water parameters, and aquarium care, cited to primary sources.

Britz & Kottelat, 2002

Mini chocolate gourami, Burmese chocolate gourami

0.5 in SL · NE

Prashad & Mukerji, 1929

Eyespot gourami, Ocellated dwarf chocolate gourami

2 in SL · LC

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How to cite

Aquarist Atlas (2026). Genus Parasphaerichthys. Aquarist Atlas. https://www.aquaristatlas.com/parasphaerichthys/

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