Can Gymnogeophagus meridionalis and Licorice Gourami Live Together?
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis 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 Gymnogeophagus meridionalis 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
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Gymnogeophagus meridionalis may occasionally assert dominance over Licorice Gourami.
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis and Licorice Gourami both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Gymnogeophagus meridionalis (6.5–8) and Licorice Gourami (3–6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
Hardness requirements are incompatible: Gymnogeophagus meridionalis needs 5–15 dGH while Licorice Gourami requires 0–4 dGH.
Tank Setup
To house Gymnogeophagus meridionalis and Licorice Gourami together, plan for an aquarium of at least 115 litres with a minimum length of 90 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), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, 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
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis 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 Gymnogeophagus meridionalis and Licorice Gourami.
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
Show 9 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Gymnogeophagus meridionalis 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 Gymnogeophagus meridionalis and Licorice Gourami need?
A minimum of 115 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Gymnogeophagus meridionalis and Licorice Gourami together?
Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Gymnogeophagus meridionalis or Licorice Gourami aggressive?
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis is moderately assertive (5/10) and Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Gymnogeophagus meridionalis and Licorice Gourami need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Gymnogeophagus meridionalis prefers 6.5–8, while Licorice Gourami needs 3–6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Gymnogeophagus meridionalis's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Gymnogeophagus meridionalis 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.
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
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis & Aequidens Jenaro Herrera
·
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis & Altifrons Eartheater
·
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis & Bahia Red
·
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis & Banded Cichlid
·
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis & Barlow's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma Maulbrüter)
·
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis & Blue Acara
·
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
·