Can Licorice Gourami and Rainbow Cichlid Live Together?

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

Licorice Gourami and Rainbow Cichlid 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

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 Licorice Gourami (3–6) and Rainbow Cichlid (6.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Licorice Gourami needs 0–4 dGH while Rainbow Cichlid requires 5–20 dGH.

To house Licorice Gourami and Rainbow Cichlid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 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: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Rainbow Cichlid is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Licorice Gourami's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

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

Licorice Gourami and Rainbow Cichlid 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. Rainbow Cichlid is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Licorice Gourami.