Licorice Gourami Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

Licorice Gourami is a miniature anabantoid prized for its dark body, delicate finnage and remarkable breeding behaviour. Males can display iridescent blue, red and black markings, particularly across the fins, while their colours intensify during courtship and territorial displays.

This is a shy, slow-moving species that spends much of its time among leaves, roots and other submerged cover. It is not an assertive community fish, and its restrained behaviour is best appreciated in a peaceful aquarium where it is not outcompeted for food.

In the wild, these gouramis inhabit quiet, shallow waters coloured brown by dissolved peat and decaying vegetation. Such habitats are typically low in minerals, highly acidic and dimly lit, with dense marginal vegetation and leaf litter providing shelter.

Parosphromenus deissneri is one of the fishes associated with the rapidly disappearing peat-swamp ecosystems of Indonesia. Habitat loss, drainage, pollution and collection pressure have contributed to its conservation concerns, making responsibly sourced specimens especially important.

Licorice Gourami is native to Bangka Island, off the east coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. It comes from extremely soft, acidic blackwater habitats associated with peat swamps, forest streams and tannin-stained pools.

A group should be given at least 30 litres, with a footprint of approximately 45 × 30 cm; a larger aquarium is preferable for a stable group and multiple territories. Use soft, acidic blackwater with subdued lighting, floating plants, leaf litter, fine sand or smooth dark substrate, and dense cover made from roots, twigs and small caves. Gentle filtration, minimal current and a tightly covered aquarium are important, as these labyrinth fish regularly breathe atmospheric air. Peat-filtered or tannin-rich water can recreate the appearance and chemistry of their natural habitat, provided water quality remains stable.

Around 4 cm (1.6 inches) in total length. Males are generally slightly larger and more extensively finned than females; females usually remain closer to 3–3.5 cm (1.2–1.4 inches).

This species naturally feeds on very small aquatic invertebrates and other tiny prey. Offer a varied diet of live or frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, grindal worms and appropriately sized mosquito larvae. High-quality fine frozen foods can supplement the diet, but many individuals struggle to thrive on dry food alone. Feed small portions regularly and ensure food reaches them before faster tankmates consume it.

Licorice Gouramis are best kept in a species-focused aquarium or with very small, exceptionally peaceful tankmates. Suitable companions may include tiny Boraras rasboras, small peaceful shrimp and other gentle blackwater species that will not outcompete them. Avoid larger gouramis, fin-nipping barbs, boisterous rasboras, aggressive fish and most fast-feeding community species. Males may also become territorial around breeding caves, so provide several shelters in a group aquarium.

Licorice Gouramis are cave-spawning fish that can be bred in a mature, quiet blackwater aquarium. A bonded pair usually chooses a small cave, such as a section of leaf, coconut shell or narrow tube, where the male guards and tends the eggs. Keep the water very soft, acidic and exceptionally clean, and offer plenty of tiny live foods to condition the adults. The eggs generally hatch after several days, with the male continuing to guard the brood until the fry become free-swimming. Feed newly free-swimming fry infusoria and other microscopic foods before gradually introducing larger prey.

Males are more vividly coloured, with stronger blue, red and black patterning and longer, more ornate dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Females are usually smaller, plainer and fuller-bodied, particularly when carrying eggs.