Licorice Gourami

Licorice Gourami

The Licorice Gourami (Parosphromenus spp.) is a beautifully patterned, small labyrinth fish prized for its iridescent colours and peaceful nature. Native to the soft, acidic blackwater streams of Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, this species is a favourite among advanced hobbyists and nano tank enthusiasts. Licorice Gouramis are known for their shy behaviour and striking display colours, especially in males.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Reaches a maximum size of 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches), making it ideal for well-maintained nano tanks.
• Coloration: Males exhibit vivid iridescent blues, greens, and reds on a dark, licorice-coloured base, particularly when courting. Females are more subdued, with paler tones and minimal iridescence.
• Fins: Males have more elaborate, pointed fins with striking colour bands and patterns, while females have shorter, rounder fins.
• Shape: Slender and torpedo-shaped with a slightly upturned mouth suited for picking small food items near the surface or among leaves.

Behaviour:

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy, Licorice Gouramis thrive in calm, species-only tanks or carefully chosen community setups.
• Activity Level: Slow-moving and deliberate, they often stay near the bottom or among leaf litter and plants. Males become more active during breeding.
• Community Behaviour: Best kept in pairs or small groups with a single male. Avoid housing with fast or aggressive tankmates.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 litres (5 gallons) for a pair, though larger setups with dense planting and soft water are ideal.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F)
  • pH: 3.5 to 6.0 (very soft and acidic blackwater)
  • Hardness: 1–4 dGH
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate and Decorations: Use a dark, sandy substrate with dried Indian almond leaves or oak leaves to replicate their natural habitat. Add driftwood, botanicals, and plenty of hiding places.
  • Lighting: Keep lighting low or diffuse with floating plants to help them feel secure and display their best colours.
  • Filtration: Use a sponge filter or other gentle system to maintain stable, clean water without strong flow. Frequent small water changes (10–15% weekly) are essential.

Diet:

Licorice Gouramis are micropredators with a preference for live foods. They can be finicky, so food choice is important:

• Live Foods: Offer baby brine shrimp, microworms, vinegar eels, and daphnia regularly.
• Frozen Foods: Fine daphnia and cyclops may be accepted, but not all individuals take frozen foods readily.
• Dry Foods: Most Licorice Gouramis do not accept flakes or pellets. Live or freshly hatched foods are strongly preferred.

Tankmates:

Due to their timid nature and sensitivity, tankmates should be chosen with great care:

• Best Companions: Other peaceful blackwater species such as small rasboras (e.g., Boraras spp.) or pygmy Corydoras, provided they don’t outcompete for food.
• Avoid: Fast swimmers, aggressive fish, and species that thrive in harder or alkaline water.

Breeding:

Licorice Gouramis are cave spawners and display fascinating parental behaviour:

• Breeding Setup: Provide coconut shells, ceramic caves, or leaf piles to encourage spawning. Ensure soft, acidic water with stable temperatures.
• Spawning Behaviour: Males court females with elaborate fin displays and lead them into a cave to spawn. The male guards the eggs and fry until they are free-swimming.
• Fry Care: Once free-swimming, fry can be fed infusoria or green water, then transitioned to microworms and baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Special Considerations:

• Delicate Nature: These fish are very sensitive to water changes, quality, and tank disturbances. They are best suited for experienced hobbyists.
• Blackwater Preference: Humic-rich, tannin-stained water is essential for their health and natural behaviour.
• Rare and Protected: Many species of Parosphromenus are rare in the wild. Captive breeding efforts are encouraged to reduce pressure on natural populations.