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Licorice gourami (Parosphromenus deissneri)
Photo: Martin Fischer Parostoteles · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Licorice gourami

Parosphromenus deissneri · Osphronemidae

Also known as Parosphromenus

Advanced

A tiny, endangered blackwater gourami for a dedicated species tank of soft acid water.

Minimum tank
40 L
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
4–5.5
Adult size
3.5 cm
Group size
2+
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Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
40 L
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
4–5.5
Hardness
0–4 dGH
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet
Micro-carnivore — live baby brine, daphnia, grindal worm.
Care level
Advanced
Origin & habitat
Native region
Bangka Island and Malay Peninsula peat swamps
Water type
Freshwater
Biotope
Shaded, extremely soft acidic peat streams
Natural conditions
RO water with peat and leaf litter; caves for spawning; dim light.
Behaviour & stocking
Temperament
Peaceful
Minimum group
2 fish
Swims
Mid-water
Good tank mates
Species tank only
Boraras rasboras at a push
Avoid
Any hard water
All boisterous fish
Breeding & difficulty
Breeding difficulty
Advanced
Sexing
Males have red-and-blue banded fins.
Notes
Cave spawner; the male tends the nest.
Common ailments
Bacterial infection in hard water
Starvation on dry food

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