Can Licorice Gourami and Scarlet Badis Live Together?
Licorice Gourami and Scarlet Badis are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. 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 Scarlet Badis?
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 Scarlet Badis is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Scarlet Badis may occasionally assert dominance over Licorice Gourami.
Licorice Gourami and Scarlet Badis 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: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.
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 Licorice Gourami (3–6) and Scarlet Badis (6.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–4 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Tank Setup
To house Licorice Gourami and Scarlet Badis together, plan for an aquarium of at least 20 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), Plants - lighly covered, Sand (Sifters). 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 Scarlet Badis 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 Scarlet Badis.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
Show 26 more tank sizes
Diet & Feeding
Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Scarlet Badis is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Licorice Gourami.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Licorice Gourami and Scarlet Badis 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 Scarlet Badis need?
A minimum of 20 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 Scarlet Badis 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 Licorice Gourami or Scarlet Badis aggressive?
Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10) and Scarlet Badis is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Licorice Gourami and Scarlet Badis need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Licorice Gourami prefers 3–6, while Scarlet Badis needs 6.5–8.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Scarlet Badis's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Scarlet Badis 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
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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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