Licorice Gourami

Parosphromenus deissneri

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Anabantiformes›Osphronemidae

📍 Bangka Island, Indonesia

A rare and exquisite nano gourami with males displaying dramatic black and iridescent blue-green bands during courtship. Requires very soft, acidic blackwater conditions and live foods. A rewarding challenge for experienced aquarists.

Size1.5"

Min Tank10g

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Licorice Gouramis are micro-carnivores requiring small, live or frozen foods such as micro worms, daphnia, and newly hatched brine shrimp. Feed small portions once daily, as their tiny mouths cannot consume standard flake or pellet foods. Supplement occasionally with finely crushed quality micro pellets designed for small fish.

Behavior

These are extremely shy, peaceful fish that spend most of their time in dense vegetation or near the substrate. Males are territorial toward each other but non-aggressive toward other species; they should be kept singly or in pairs in established tanks. They are most active during low-light periods and rarely venture into open water.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require pristine blackwater conditions, dense vegetation for nest sites, and stable temperatures around 24-26°C. Fry are incredibly small and require infusoria and micro foods; survival rates are very low even under ideal conditions.

Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp

Thrive in same acidic blackwater conditions; non-predatory and won't compete for food

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful, and tolerate soft acidic water; occupy upper water column

good

Chili Rasbora

Tiny, non-aggressive, prefer similar blackwater habitat and soft acidic conditions

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eaters that prefer soft acidic water and won't disturb gouramis

good

Java Moss

Essential live plant providing shelter and infusoria for fry; thrives in blackwater

excellent

Common Diseases

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, often with white or dark edges; lethargy

Treatment

Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, maintain pristine water quality, and consider antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration without strong current

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

Small white spots on body and fins, scratching against plants, rapid breathing

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28°C, increase aeration, and treat with appropriate anti-parasitic medication; avoid salt treatments as these fish are sensitive to osmotic stress

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Cloudy eyes, sores on body, loss of appetite, color fading

Treatment

Perform daily 50% water changes, maintain optimal water parameters (pH 3.5-6.0), and use broad-spectrum antibacterial treatment if condition worsens

Starvation/Malnutrition

Symptoms

Extreme thinness, lethargy, faded coloration, inability to compete for food

Treatment

Ensure daily feeding of appropriate micro foods (live micro worms, infusoria); feed in low-light periods when fish are more active; avoid tank mates that outcompete for small foods