Licorice Gourami

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Scientific Name

Parosphromenus deissneri

Min. Tank Size

10 gallons

Personality

Peaceful

Temperature

75-82°F

pH

5.5-7.0/1-8°dGH

Size

1.5"

Diet

Carnivore/Live foods only

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Best kept in pairs or in a species tank; can be kept with small community species like Corydoras, Catfish, and other peaceful Gouramis..

Licorice Gourami

The Licorice Gourami is a fairly timid species of gourami endemic to the island of Bangka, east of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. These fish tend to inhabit slow-moving streams and creeks where vegetation provides plenty of shelter. These fish remain fairly small and have elongated dark brown bodies. The sides of these fish are ornamented with two yellow stripes running laterally from its nose to the fan-shaped caudal fin. The fins of this species are dark brown with blue edging and red stripes – the pelvic fins are bright blue.

Tank Set-Up

One of the most colorful species of gourami, the Licorice Gourami is set apart from other Gouramis by its timid nature. These fish are best kept in pairs or in a species tank but can get along with small community species. This species is moderately difficult to care for – they prefer a dimly lit, densely planted tank with little water movement. Licorice Gouramis will also appreciate dark substrate and peaty, acidic tank water.

Feeding

Though many fish benefit from the addition of live foods to their diets, Licorice Gouramis actually require live foods. To create a healthy diet for these fish, offer a variety of live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, Daphnia and Artemia. These fish do not tend to accept prepared foods and certainly cannot survive on a diet composed entirely of commercial foods.

Breeding

These fish are secretive bubble-nesters and fairly difficult to breed. Soft, acidic water with a pH between 5.5 and 6.0 may encourage spawning behavior. Spawning typically occurs below the bubble nest which is often built within a cave or piece of plastic tubing. Spawning may take several hours and, once it has ended, the female should be removed from the tank to rest. The male of the species will guard the eggs until they hatch between 24 and 48 hours later.