Licorice Gourami (Parosphromenus deissneri) Care Guide

A tiny, shy labyrinth fish with subtle but exquisite coloration — males display iridescent blue and red fins during courtship.

Overview

Parosphromenus deissneri is a species in the family Osphronemidae. A tiny, shy labyrinth fish with subtle but exquisite coloration — males display iridescent blue and red fins during courtship. Requires very soft, acidic blackwater conditions with tannins and minimal flow. One of the most challenging aquarium fish to keep.

Taxonomy

Family: Osphronemidae
Genus: Parosphromenus
Scientific name: Parosphromenus deissneri
Origin: Southeast Asia, Borneo, Sumatra, Malaysia

Habitat

Native to peat-swamp forests of the Malay Peninsula and the Greater Sunda Islands. Inhabits extremely soft, acidic blackwater shaded by forest canopy. A small, secretive labyrinth fish; the genus Parosphromenus comprises numerous narrowly distributed and often threatened species.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 30 L
Temperature: 22-27 °C
pH: 3.5-6
GH: 0-3 °dGH
Adult size: 3-4 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Difficulty: advanced

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Cherry Shrimp, Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras
Avoid with: Active Fish, Large Fish, Hard Water Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
Breeding difficulty: advanced