Can Licorice Gourami and Zebra Spiny Eel Live Together?

Both Licorice Gourami and Zebra Spiny Eel are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Licorice Gourami and Zebra Spiny Eel 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.

Worth noting: Zebra Spiny Eel is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Zebra Spiny Eel is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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 Zebra Spiny Eel (6.8–8) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Licorice Gourami needs 0–4 dGH while Zebra Spiny Eel requires 5–15 dGH.

To house Licorice Gourami and Zebra Spiny Eel together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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.

Licorice Gourami and Zebra Spiny Eel 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. Zebra Spiny Eel is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Licorice Gourami.