The Licorice Gourami (Parosphromenus deissneri), celebrated for its striking iridescent bands and petite size, is a prized nano fish among advanced aquarists and aquascapers. This rare jewel of Southeast Asian blackwater streams offers subtle beauty and fascinating behavior, making it a captivating addition to well-maintained, heavily planted tanks. Whether you’re a seasoned fishkeeper or a lover of unique species, licorice gouramis will elevate your aquarium’s appeal. The licorice gourami is a small labyrinth fish native to the slow-moving, acidic blackwater habitats of Indonesia and Malaysia. Males are especially admired for their vivid, metallic stripes, often blue, green, or red, set against a velvety dark background. During breeding displays, their colors intensify, transforming them into living gems. Females are more subdued in appearance but equally essential for successful spawning and natural group dynamics. Licorice gouramis are among the smallest Gourami species, with adults reaching a typical size of 1.2–1.6 inches (3–4 cm) in length. Their petite size and peaceful demeanor make them ideal for nano tanks and planted aquascapes. They thrive when kept in small groups, where males display to one another and females, especially during courtship. Licorice gouramis are peaceful and best kept in species-only or carefully selected community aquariums. They do well with other calm, similarly sized blackwater species such as Chili rasboras, small Tetras, and Pygmy Corydoras. Avoid housing them with aggressive or much larger fish. Due to their shy nature, a heavily planted tank with ample hiding spots, leaf litter, and subdued lighting is essential for their comfort and natural behavior. At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Licorice Gourami for sale and other Gouramis for sale are tank-raised, healthy, and carefully selected for vivid coloration and optimal size. Shop online or visit our aquarium store in Virginia to discover high-quality freshwater fish for sale, betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, aquatic plants, and essential aquarium supplies. WHAT MAKES THIS FISH SPECIAL? Iridescent stripes and deep, dark body colors, especially vivid in males Among the smallest gouramis (licorice gourami size: 1.2–1.6 inches) Ideal for blackwater and heavily planted nano tanks Peaceful, shy nature, and best in groups or pairs for natural behavior Fascinating courtship displays and parental care RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a group Temperature: 74°–82°F (23°–28°C) pH: 4.0–6.5 (soft, acidic water) Hardness: 1–8 dGH Filtration: Gentle, with minimal current and tannin-rich water CARE GUIDELINES Diet: Omnivorous micropredators. Feed a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, frozen or live foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae. Some may take finely crushed flakes. Aquascaping: Provide dense planting, leaf litter, and botanicals to simulate their natural habitat. Use subdued lighting to encourage bold coloration and reduce stress. Water Quality: Maintain pristine water conditions with regular small water changes. Soft, acidic, tannin-rich water is key for long-term health and natural behavior. Social Structure: Best kept in pairs or small groups (1 male to 2–3 females), with more females to minimize male aggression during breeding. See more details on How to Care for Gourami Fish here.
