Can Licorice Gourami and Yellow Convict Live Together?
Licorice Gourami and Yellow Convict 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 Yellow Convict?
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 Yellow Convict is moderately assertive (5/10). This modest difference means Yellow Convict may occasionally assert dominance over Licorice Gourami.
Licorice Gourami and Yellow Convict 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 23°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Licorice Gourami (3–6) and Yellow Convict (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 Yellow Convict requires 5–16 dGH.
Tank Setup
To house Licorice Gourami and Yellow Convict together, plan for an aquarium of at least 80 litres with a minimum length of 80 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). 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 Yellow Convict 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 Yellow Convict.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 12 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Licorice Gourami and Yellow Convict 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 Yellow Convict need?
A minimum of 80 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Yellow Convict together?
Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Licorice Gourami or Yellow Convict aggressive?
Licorice Gourami is peaceful (2/10) and Yellow Convict is moderately assertive (5/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Licorice Gourami and Yellow Convict need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Licorice Gourami prefers 3–6, while Yellow Convict needs 6.5–8. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Yellow Convict's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Yellow Convict 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.
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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