A highly specialized, stunningly beautiful nano labyrinth fish native to the blackwater peat swamps of Southeast Asia. They are considered an advanced-level species because they require extremely soft, highly acidic water (often reverse osmosis) and a diet of live foods. Extremely shy, they are easily outcompeted for food and are highly recommended for species-only setups with copious leaf litter and dim lighting.
Licorice Gourami At a Glance
Licorice Gourami Tank Requirements
Will Licorice Gourami fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Licorice Gourami needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Licorice Gourami against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Licorice Gourami Water Parameters
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Licorice Gourami Temperament & Compatibility
Licorice Gourami Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males exhibit striking black bands with iridescent blue and red coloration on their fins, especially during courtship. They are mildy territorial towards other males, establishing small breeding claims around sunken leaves or caves.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Licorice Gourami
Female
Females are somewhat smaller, mostly drab brownish-yellow, and lack the striking neon colors of the males. They are exceptionally peaceful and can be kept in groups without issue.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Licorice Gourami
Licorice Gourami Care Guide Summary
The Licorice Gourami, scientifically known as Parosphromenus deissneri, belongs to the Anabantoids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4 cm and have a compressed body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Licorice Gourami requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 3–6 and a general hardness of 0–4 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Licorice Gourami is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Licorice Gourami Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Licorice Gourami, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Licorice Gourami Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Licorice Gourami is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Licorice Gourami Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Licorice Gourami.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Licorice Gourami
How big does Licorice Gourami get?
Licorice Gourami (Parosphromenus deissneri) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Licorice Gourami need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Licorice Gourami. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Licorice Gourami need?
Licorice Gourami thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 3 and 6, and a general hardness of 0–4 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Licorice Gourami peaceful or aggressive?
Licorice Gourami is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Licorice Gourami live alone?
No, Licorice Gourami should be kept in groups of at least 2 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Licorice Gourami have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Licorice Gourami benefits from leaf litter/blackwater, plants - densely covered, plants - floating, and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Licorice Gourami
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Licorice Gourami based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Ideal Tank MatesClown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Ideal Tank MatesLyretail Killifish
Aphyosemion australe
Ideal Tank MatesGreen Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon simulans
Ideal Tank MatesGarnet Tetra
Hemigrammus pulcher
Ideal Tank MatesCrying Whiptail
Loricaria sp. "Rio Atabapo"
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Licorice Gourami
These plants pair well with Licorice Gourami based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Licorice Gourami
Chocolate Gourami
Sphaerichthys osphromenoides
A delicate, highly specialized labyrinth fish native to the peat swamp forests of Southeast Asia. Known for its rich chocolate-brown coloration and vertical cream bands. It is notorious for being sensitive to water quality fluctuations and requires extremely soft, acidic 'blackwater' to thrive and resist bacterial infections. Best kept in a heavily planted, mature species-only setup or with very peaceful, small nano fish.
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
A peaceful to semi-aggressive labyrinth fish native to South Asia. Famous for their brilliant metallic blue and red stripes. While generally suitable for community tanks, males are territorial toward each other and similar-looking fish. They are sensitive to water quality and prone to Iridovirus if stressed. Requires access to the surface to breathe.
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
A striking, deeply red nano fish native to the blackwater streams and peat swamps of southern Borneo. They are extremely peaceful and require a mature, densely planted aquarium with soft, acidic water. Due to their tiny size, they are completely safe with adult dwarf shrimp and are ideal for nano setups.
Moonlight Gourami
Trichogaster microlepis
A gracefully sloping, large labyrinth fish characterized by its beautiful, iridescent silvery sheen and exceptionally long, thread-like ventral fins (feelers). While peaceful and somewhat timid, they are notorious for nibbling on soft-leaved and fine aquarium plants. They require access to the surface to breathe atmospheric air.
Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila
A stunning nano species known for its iridescent blue/green eyes, body spots, and ability to make audible 'croaking' sounds. Unlike many anabantoids, they are social and best kept in groups. However, they are efficient micropredators that will hunt shrimp fry and pests like hydra. Requires stable water parameters and dense planting.
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
Widely considered the most beautiful and peaceful of the large Gouramis. They feature a 'mosaic' of iridescent spots and a distinct black line running through the eye. Unlike their aggressive cousins (the Three-Spot Gourami), Pearls are generally gentle giants, though males can be territorial towards one another. They are thermophilic (love heat) and require floating plants to feel secure.