Can Black Ocellatus and Licorice Gourami Live Together?
Black Ocellatus and Licorice Gourami are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and incompatible hardness ranges. 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 Black Ocellatus 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
Black Ocellatus is a semi-aggressive species (7/10), while Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Black Ocellatus may occasionally assert dominance over Licorice Gourami.
Black Ocellatus and Licorice Gourami both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) 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.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Black Ocellatus (7.5–9) and Licorice Gourami (3–6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
Hardness requirements are incompatible: Black Ocellatus needs 8–25 dGH while Licorice Gourami requires 0–4 dGH.
Tank Setup
To house Black Ocellatus and Licorice Gourami together, plan for an aquarium of at least 40 litres with a minimum length of 45 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: Sand (Sifters), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, 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.
Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice
Black Ocellatus 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 Black Ocellatus and Licorice Gourami.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
Show 21 more tank sizes
Diet & Feeding
Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Black Ocellatus is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Licorice Gourami.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Black Ocellatus 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 Black Ocellatus and Licorice Gourami need?
A minimum of 40 litres (tank length at least 45 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 Black Ocellatus and Licorice Gourami together?
Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Black Ocellatus or Licorice Gourami aggressive?
Black Ocellatus is semi-aggressive (7/10) and Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Black Ocellatus and Licorice Gourami need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Black Ocellatus prefers 7.5–9, while Licorice Gourami needs 3–6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Black Ocellatus's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Black Ocellatus 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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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
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