Can Licorice Gourami and Ramshorn Snail Live Together?
Licorice Gourami and Ramshorn Snail 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 Licorice Gourami and Ramshorn Snail?
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
Licorice Gourami is a peaceful species (2/10), while Ramshorn Snail is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Licorice Gourami may occasionally assert dominance over Ramshorn Snail.
Licorice Gourami and Ramshorn Snail 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 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 Ramshorn Snail (7–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
Hardness requirements are incompatible: Licorice Gourami needs 0–4 dGH while Ramshorn Snail requires 8–20 dGH.
Tank Setup
To house Licorice Gourami and Ramshorn Snail together, plan for an aquarium of at least 19 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: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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
Licorice Gourami and Ramshorn Snail 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 Licorice Gourami and Ramshorn Snail.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Licorice Gourami and Ramshorn Snail live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Licorice Gourami and Ramshorn Snail need?
A minimum of 19 litres (tank length at least 30 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 Licorice Gourami and Ramshorn Snail together?
Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Licorice Gourami or Ramshorn Snail aggressive?
Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10) and Ramshorn Snail is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Licorice Gourami and Ramshorn Snail need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Licorice Gourami prefers 3–6, while Ramshorn Snail needs 7–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
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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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