Licorice gourami

Parosphromenus deissneri

Wild range: Southeast Asia (Asia)

At a glance: Licorice gourami care

Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.

What temperature is listed for Licorice gourami?

The compiled profile lists 21.0–28.0 °C for Licorice gourami (Parosphromenus deissneri). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.

What tank size is listed for Licorice gourami?

The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 5.0 US gallons (20.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.

What pH is listed for Licorice gourami?

The compiled profile lists a pH of 3.5–7.0. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.

Natural habitat

The Licorice Gourami is native to heavily vegetated, slow-flowing blackwater streams and forest peat swamps in the Bangka Belitung province of Indonesia. The water's tea color is due to humic acids from decaying organic matter, creating a unique habitat that supports the species' requirements.

Where they are found

They inhabit blackwater rivers and swampy areas, where the pH is typically low, and the water is soft due to the decaying plant matter commonly found in their environments.

Aquarium care

Licorice Gouramis thrive in well-planted tanks that provide plenty of hiding spaces. It's recommended to avoid strong currents, making a still or gently flowing environment ideal. Stable water parameters, specifically low pH and soft water, are crucial for their health.

Feeding

Licorice Gouramis thrive on a varied diet, predominantly consisting of live foods such as tubifex, daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae. While they may accept commercial fish food, live food is essential for their health and nutritional needs.

Compatibility

While usually peaceful, the Licorice Gourami can become stressed in community setups due to larger or more aggressive fish. They do best in tranquil environments with small, peaceful tankmates. Nevertheless, they should be kept with caution around other species that may outcompete them for food or space.

Breeding

Breeding Licorice Gourami requires a separate breeding tank with densely planted areas for the eggs to adhere to. Males will build bubble nests to attract females, and after spawning, it’s crucial to separate the males from females to prevent the males from attacking them. The fry should be fed infusoria before transitioning to larger foods as they grow.

Sources

Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.