Parosphromenus deissneri
A peat-swamp specialist that needs pH 4 to 5 water and live food to thrive. Stunning when displaying — males flare into red, blue, and gold barring. Single-species blackwater tank only, do not mix with community fish or even shrimp.
Licorice Gourami (Parosphromenus deissneri) reaches 3–4 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 30 L. Native to Bangka Island, Indonesia (peat swamps), it lives in the mid to top water column with a peaceful (highly delicate) temperament. Aim for 22–28 °C, pH 3.5–5.5, and 0–3 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 3–4 years with good care. Keep licorice gourami in groups of 2+, no (pairs) schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: carnivore, Live food only in most cases — micro worms, baby brine shrimp, vinegar eels. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Yes.
Care at a glance
A peat-swamp specialist that needs pH 4 to 5 water and live food to thrive. Stunning when displaying — males flare into red, blue, and gold barring. Single-species blackwater tank only, do not mix with community fish or even shrimp.
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The parameters that decide whether licorice gourami fits in your tank.
Mid to top
No
Keep 2+ together
Osphronemidae
Carnivore
Live food only in most cases — micro worms, baby brine shrimp, vinegar eels.
3–4 yrs
Hard
Bangka Island, Indonesia (peat swamps)
Bangka Island, Indonesia (peat swamps)
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
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Licorice Gourami (Parosphromenus deissneri) needs a minimum tank of 30 L. They live in the mid to top water column and should be kept in groups of 2+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 22–28 °C, pH 3.5–5.5, and 0–3 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Yes. Plant safety: Yes.
Licorice Gourami are carnivore. Live food only in most cases — micro worms, baby brine shrimp, vinegar eels.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 5/5. Expert, narrow tolerances; not recommended until you've kept a stable tank for a year. Breeding difficulty: hard.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 3–4 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
