The Liquorice Gourami (genus Parosphromenus) is a group of small, brightly coloured labyrinth fish native to the peat swamp forests and blackwater streams of Indonesia and Malaysia. Reaching only about 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches) in length, they are among the smallest gouramis and are highly prized by advanced aquarists for their iridescent black, blue, and red horizontal striping.
Care and Aquarium Requirements
Liquorice Gouramis are habitat specialists that require precise environmental conditions to thrive:
Water Chemistry: They need extremely soft, acidic water (pH 3.0–6.5) with negligible hardness (dGH 0–5). Tannin-stained "blackwater" is ideal for their health and coloration.
Tank Setup: A minimum tank size of 20–30 litres (approx. 5–7 gallons) is suitable for a pair. The aquarium should be densely planted with low light and gentle water movement.
Diet: These fish are micropredators and can be very picky eaters. They primarily require live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and microworms, and often refuse dry flakes or pellets.
Behavior: They are peaceful but shy, making them best suited for species-only tanks or setups with very small, non-competitive tank mates like Chili Rasboras.
Species Diversity and Identification
While many are sold under the name Parosphromenus deissneri, there are over 20 scientifically described species and dozens of others still being classified.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males are significantly more colourful, especially during breeding, while females are typically pale with minimal iridescence.
Key Species:
P. deissneri: The type species, endemic to Bangka Island.
P. linkei: Often considered one of the hardier species for aquarium keeping.
P. ornaticauda: Known for its ornate fins and extreme sensitivity to water parameters.
Conservation Status
Many Liquorice Gourami species are considered critically endangered due to the rapid destruction of their native peat swamp habitats for palm oil plantations and mining. Organizations like the Parosphromenus Project work to promote responsible captive breeding and habitat preservation.
SKU: RBM
