Can Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) and Licorice Gourami Live Together?

Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) may occasionally assert dominance over Licorice Gourami.

Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) and Licorice Gourami both frequent the 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.

Worth noting: Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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 6 and 6. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) needs 5–20 dGH while Licorice Gourami requires 0–4 dGH.

To house Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) and Licorice Gourami together, plan for an aquarium of at least 20 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, Plants - Floating, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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.

Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) 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.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Licorice Gourami.