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.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
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.
