Can Apistogramma Mamoré and Licorice Gourami Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Apistogramma Mamoré and Licorice Gourami together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 60 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Apistogramma Mamoré

Apistogramma erythrura

Licorice Gourami

Parosphromenus deissneri

🐠Family Group
Apistogramma Mamoré
Cichlids - South American
Licorice Gourami
Anabantoids
Temperament
Apistogramma Mamoré
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Licorice Gourami
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
24–28°C
Licorice Gourami
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
5–7
Licorice Gourami
3–6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
1–8
Licorice Gourami
0–4
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
Freshwater Only
Licorice Gourami
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Apistogramma Mamoré
Low
Licorice Gourami
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 60 L
Apistogramma Mamoré
60 L
Licorice Gourami
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Apistogramma Mamoré
BottomMiddle
Licorice Gourami
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Apistogramma Mamoré
Territorial (Defends specific area)Shrimp EaterDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Licorice Gourami
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Apistogramma Mamoré 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.

Apistogramma Mamoré
Licorice Gourami
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Apistogramma Mamoré is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Apistogramma Mamoré may occasionally assert dominance over Licorice Gourami.

Apistogramma Mamoré 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: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Apistogramma Mamoré and Licorice Gourami to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 5 and 6. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 1–4 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Apistogramma Mamoré and Licorice Gourami together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Apistogramma Mamoré and Licorice Gourami.

Show 19 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Apistogramma Mamoré is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Licorice Gourami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apistogramma Mamoré and Licorice Gourami live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 60 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Apistogramma Mamoré and Licorice Gourami need?

A minimum of 60 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Apistogramma Mamoré and Licorice Gourami together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Apistogramma Mamoré or Licorice Gourami aggressive?

Apistogramma Mamoré is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Apistogramma Mamoré and Licorice Gourami need?

Both species overlap in the 5–6 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Apistogramma Mamoré's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Apistogramma Mamoré space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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