Licorice gourami

Introduction

The Licorice gourami (Parosphromenus deissneri) is a captivating freshwater fish renowned for its striking coloration and peaceful demeanor. Native to the blackwater streams of Indonesia, this small labyrinth fish is cherished by aquarists for its unique beauty and intriguing behaviors. However, due to its specific care requirements and sensitivity to environmental changes, the Licorice gourami is best suited for aquarists with some experience in maintaining stable water conditions and specialized habitats.

What makes the Licorice gourami appealing to aquarists?

Its vibrant colors, peaceful nature, and fascinating behaviors make it a prized addition to well-maintained aquariums.

Is the Licorice gourami suitable for beginners?

Due to its specific care needs and sensitivity to water conditions, it is more appropriate for aquarists with some experience.

Care and Environment

Providing optimal care for the Licorice gourami involves replicating its natural habitat and maintaining stable water parameters. A minimum tank size of 40 liters is recommended for a single pair, while a larger tank of at least 80 liters is ideal for groups, allowing for stable conditions and ample space.

Water parameters should be carefully monitored: maintain a temperature between 24°C and 28°C, a pH range of 4.0 to 6.0, and very soft water with a hardness of 0–4 dGH. Regular water changes and the use of peat or leaf litter can help achieve the desired acidic conditions.

Filtration should be efficient yet gentle to avoid strong currents, as Licorice gouramis prefer slow-moving waters. Dim lighting, supplemented by floating plants, helps mimic their natural environment and reduces stress. The tank should be densely planted with ample hiding spots created using driftwood, caves, and leaf litter to provide security and encourage natural behaviors.

Feeding should consist of a varied diet, primarily live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. While some may accept high-quality micro-pellets or flakes, live foods are preferred to meet their nutritional needs.

What is the ideal tank size for a pair of Licorice gouramis?

A minimum of 40 liters is recommended for a single pair, with larger tanks preferred for groups.

How can I maintain the appropriate water parameters?

Regular water changes, use of peat or leaf litter, and consistent monitoring can help maintain the desired acidic and soft water conditions.

What should I feed my Licorice gouramis?

A varied diet of live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms is ideal, with occasional acceptance of high-quality micro-pellets or flakes.

Origin and Habitat

The Licorice gourami is endemic to the slow-flowing blackwater streams and peat swamp forests of Bangka Island in Indonesia. These environments are characterized by soft, acidic waters stained with tannins from decaying plant matter, creating a tea-colored appearance. The natural habitat is densely vegetated, providing ample hiding spots and breeding grounds. The substrate typically consists of leaf litter and organic debris, contributing to the unique water chemistry of their environment.

Where is the Licorice gourami naturally found?

It is native to the blackwater streams and peat swamp forests of Bangka Island, Indonesia.

What are the characteristics of its natural habitat?

Soft, acidic, tannin-stained waters with dense vegetation and a substrate of leaf litter and organic debris.

Temperament and Compatibility

Licorice gouramis are peaceful and shy, often seeking refuge among plants and decorations. They are best kept in species-specific tanks or with other small, non-aggressive fish that thrive in similar water conditions. Suitable tank mates include small rasboras, dwarf shrimp, and microdevario species. It's important to avoid housing them with larger or aggressive fish, as this can cause stress and health issues. Providing ample hiding spots and maintaining a calm environment will help reduce stress and promote natural behaviors.

Are Licorice gouramis aggressive?

No, they are peaceful and shy, preferring calm environments with ample hiding spots.

What are suitable tank mates for Licorice gouramis?

Small, non-aggressive fish like small rasboras, dwarf shrimp, and microdevario species are suitable companions.

How can I create a harmonious tank environment?

Provide ample hiding spots, maintain stable water conditions, and avoid housing them with aggressive or larger fish.

Interesting Facts

Licorice gouramis are labyrinth fish, possessing a specialized organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, enabling survival in low-oxygen environments. Males exhibit vibrant colors and perform elaborate courtship displays during breeding, often building bubble nests in caves to protect their eggs. Due to their specific habitat requirements and sensitivity to environmental changes, they are considered challenging to breed in captivity, making successful breeding a notable achievement among aquarists.

What is unique about the Licorice gourami's breathing?

They have a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, aiding survival in low-oxygen environments.

How do Licorice gouramis breed?

Males build bubble nests in caves and perform courtship displays, with the male guarding the eggs until they hatch.

Why are they considered challenging to breed in captivity?

Due to their specific habitat requirements and sensitivity to environmental changes, breeding them successfully requires precise conditions.

Sources

All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources:

• fishkeepingworld.com
• aquapetsguide.com
• allaboutfishing.org