Can American Grass Shrimp and Licorice Gourami Live Together?
American Grass Shrimp and Licorice Gourami are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle American Grass Shrimp and Licorice Gourami?
Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.
Behaviour & Temperament
American Grass Shrimp is a peaceful species (1/10), while Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Licorice Gourami may occasionally assert dominance over American Grass Shrimp.
American Grass Shrimp and Licorice Gourami both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
Worth noting: American Grass Shrimp is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of American Grass Shrimp (6.5–8) and Licorice Gourami (3–6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–4 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house American Grass Shrimp and Licorice Gourami together, plan for an aquarium of at least 19 litres with a minimum length of 30 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.
Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Floating, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice
American Grass Shrimp and Licorice Gourami are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both American Grass Shrimp and Licorice Gourami.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can American Grass Shrimp and Licorice Gourami live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do American Grass Shrimp and Licorice Gourami need?
A minimum of 19 litres (tank length at least 30 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.
What water temperature is best for American Grass Shrimp and Licorice Gourami together?
Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are American Grass Shrimp or Licorice Gourami aggressive?
American Grass Shrimp is peaceful (1/10) and Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do American Grass Shrimp and Licorice Gourami need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. American Grass Shrimp prefers 6.5–8, while Licorice Gourami needs 3–6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 6, 2026
- Last updated
- May 6, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Related Comparisons
American Grass Shrimp & Amano Shrimp
·
American Grass Shrimp & Ninja Shrimp
·
American Grass Shrimp & Apple Snail
·
American Grass Shrimp & Bamboo Shrimp
·
American Grass Shrimp & Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
·
American Grass Shrimp & Bladder Snail (Pest Snail)
·
Licorice Gourami & Chocolate Gourami
·
Licorice Gourami & Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma)
·
Licorice Gourami & Snakehead Fighter
·
Licorice Gourami & Sparkling Gourami
·
Licorice Gourami & Whiteseam Fighter
·
Licorice Gourami & Banded Gourami
·