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Spike-Tail Licorice Gourami
Parosphromenus ornaticauda
Also known as Ornaticauda Licorice Gourami, Spiketail Licorice Gourami
Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Osphronemidae
The Spike-Tail Licorice Gourami is a tiny, delicate labyrinth fish native to Southeast Asia, prized for its intricate patterns and peaceful demeanor. These miniature gouramis are best kept in small, heavily planted tanks where they can display their natural behaviors. They are ideal for nano aquariums and planted setups but require pristine water conditions and careful tank mate selection.
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in
- 3 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 36–143 ppm
- 2–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Top
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Feed small live foods such as microworms, vinegar eels, and newly hatched brine shrimp daily or every other day. Supplement with high-quality micro pellets designed for small fish. Feed small portions multiple times daily, as their tiny stomachs cannot hold large meals.
Behavior
Spike-Tail Licorice Gouramis are shy, reclusive fish that spend most of their time near the substrate and in dense vegetation. They are non-aggressive but very timid, preferring dimly lit tanks with plenty of hiding spots. They exhibit interesting courtship displays and may build bubble nests in suitable conditions.
Breeding
Breeding is extremely challenging and rarely achieved in home aquariums. Males build bubble nests and guard fry, but they require pristine conditions, live food availability, and minimal disturbance. Success requires expert-level care and patience.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar size but may compete for territory; requires careful monitoring
Small, peaceful schooling fish that won't threaten or outcompete for food
Peaceful algae eater that shares similar water parameter requirements
Non-aggressive, shares same water conditions, helps maintain tank cleanliness
Essential plant for shelter, food source for fry, and biofilm production
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Bacterial Infection, Starvation/Malnutrition
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily 25% water changes, use salt baths or medication; avoid copper-based treatments
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying matter, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure pristine conditions
Bacterial Infection
Loss of color, open sores, swollen belly, lethargy, loss of appetite
Perform daily 50% water changes, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication, isolate if possible, maintain optimal water parameters
Starvation/Malnutrition
Extreme thinness, faded coloration, lethargy, inability to compete for food
Provide abundant live food cultures (microworms, vinegar eels), feed multiple times daily in small portions, ensure no aggressive tank mates outcompete for food
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it.
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in3 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal38 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.0
- GH
- 36–143 ppm2–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Top
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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