Can Celebes Halfbeak and Licorice Gourami Live Together?

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

In terms of spatial distribution, Celebes Halfbeak prefers the Top (Surface) zone, whereas Licorice Gourami occupies the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Celebes Halfbeak is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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 Celebes Halfbeak (6.5–8) and Licorice Gourami (3–6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Celebes Halfbeak needs 5–15 dGH while Licorice Gourami requires 0–4 dGH.

To house Celebes Halfbeak and Licorice Gourami together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 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.

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 - Floating, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, 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.

Celebes Halfbeak 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.