Can Licorice Gourami and White Cheeked Goby Live Together?

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

Licorice Gourami and White Cheeked Goby both frequent the 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.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Licorice Gourami (3–6) and White Cheeked Goby (6.5–8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Licorice Gourami needs 0–4 dGH while White Cheeked Goby requires 5–15 dGH.

To house Licorice Gourami and White Cheeked Goby together, plan for an aquarium of at least 40 litres with a minimum length of 60 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Licorice Gourami prefers Low (Still Water) flow while White Cheeked Goby needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Licorice Gourami and White Cheeked Goby 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. White Cheeked Goby is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Licorice Gourami.