Can Licorice Gourami and Sparkling Gourami Live Together?
Licorice Gourami and Sparkling Gourami are not recommended as tank mates due to 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 Sparkling 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.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Behaviour & Temperament
Licorice Gourami is a peaceful species (2/10), while Sparkling Gourami is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Sparkling Gourami may occasionally assert dominance over Licorice Gourami.
Licorice Gourami and Sparkling 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.
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.
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.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 5 and 6. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
Hardness requirements are incompatible: Licorice Gourami needs 0–4 dGH while Sparkling Gourami requires 5–18 dGH.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house Licorice Gourami and Sparkling Gourami together, plan for an aquarium of at least 38 litres with a minimum length of 45 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). 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.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Licorice Gourami and Sparkling Gourami.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
Show 22 more tank sizes
Diet & Feeding
Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Sparkling Gourami is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Licorice Gourami.
Feeding products to consider
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Licorice Gourami and Sparkling Gourami 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 Sparkling Gourami need?
A minimum of 38 litres (tank length at least 45 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 Sparkling Gourami 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 Sparkling Gourami aggressive?
Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10) and Sparkling Gourami is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Licorice Gourami and Sparkling Gourami need?
Both species overlap in the 5–6 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
Related Comparisons
Licorice Gourami & Chocolate Gourami
·
Licorice Gourami & Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma)
·
Licorice Gourami & Banded Gourami
·
Licorice Gourami & Betta Imbellis
·
Licorice Gourami & Honey Gourami
·
Licorice Gourami & Moonlight Gourami
·
Sparkling Gourami & Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish)
·
Sparkling Gourami & Betta Smaragdina
·
Sparkling Gourami & Dwarf Gourami
·
Sparkling Gourami & Pearl Gourami
·
Sparkling Gourami & Betta Macrostoma
·
Sparkling Gourami & Kissing Gourami
·