Licorice Gourami (Parosphromenus deissneri)
 
The Licorice Gourami is one of the smallest and most delicate labyrinth fish, cherished for its elegant beauty and fascinating behavior. Native to the slow, blackwater streams of Southeast Asia, this species displays iridescent blue, green, and red hues that shimmer beautifully under subdued lighting. It is a peaceful, shy species best suited to calm, well-maintained aquariums designed to replicate its natural, tannin-rich environment.
 
Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Parosphromenus deissneri
Common Name: Licorice Gourami
Family: Osphronemidae
Origin: Sumatra and Bangka Island, Indonesia
Adult Size: 4–5 cm (1.5–2 inches)
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Appearance
Licorice Gouramis are slender, laterally compressed fish with intricate patterning. Males are the showstoppers, featuring metallic blue and green iridescence across the body and fins, bordered by red or black margins. Females are more subdued in color but display subtle striping. When in breeding condition, males intensify their coloration dramatically, becoming truly stunning.
 
Behavior & Temperament
This is a peaceful, timid species that thrives in quiet tanks with gentle flow. It does best when housed in pairs or small groups, ideally in species-only aquariums. They can be easily stressed by boisterous or aggressive tankmates, so tankmates should be chosen carefully — other small, calm fish like Boraras species make suitable companions.
Licorice Gouramis are bubble nesters but are also known to breed in small caves, depending on conditions.
 
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 40 liters (10 gallons)
Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH Range: 4.0–6.5
Water Hardness: 1–8 dGH
Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel
Lighting: Dim lighting, ideally filtered through floating plants
Décor: Dense planting with driftwood, leaf litter, and floating vegetation to create shaded areas and mimic blackwater conditions
Blackwater conditions are essential for long-term health — adding Indian almond leaves or peat extract helps replicate their natural habitat and promotes spawning.
 
Diet
In the wild, Parosphromenus deissneri feeds on tiny invertebrates and insect larvae. In captivity, they prefer live or frozen foods and may reject dry foods initially. Offer:
Live or frozen brine shrimp
Daphnia
Microworms and grindal worms
Bloodworms (sparingly)
With patience, some individuals may adapt to high-quality micro pellets.
 
Breeding
Licorice Gouramis are cave spawners and sometimes bubble nesters, depending on conditions.
Spawning Setup: Provide small caves made from half coconut shells, leaf litter, or small pipes.
Courtship: The male leads the female into the cave, where eggs are laid and fertilized.
Egg Care: The male guards the nest and tends to the eggs until they hatch.
Fry Care: Once free-swimming, feed fry infusoria or vinegar eels, followed by baby brine shrimp as they grow.
Water stability and low pH are critical to successful breeding.
 
Care Sheet
Tank Size: 40L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 4.0–6.5
Hardness: 1–8 dGH
Diet: Carnivore (live and frozen foods)
Temperament: Peaceful, shy
Breeding: Cave spawner / bubble nester
Lifespan: 3–5 years