The Licorice Gourami is a small, beautifully patterned fish that thrives in blackwater aquariums and is prized for its striking stripes and shy behavior.
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The Licorice Gourami is a small, beautifully patterned fish that thrives in blackwater aquariums and is prized for its striking stripes and shy behavior.
Slender body with alternating dark and light vertical stripes, metallic iridescence, and striking fin patterns. Males show more intense coloration.
4–5 years
Carnivore – prefers live foods like daphnia, mosquito larvae, and brine shrimp. May accept frozen foods but rarely flakes.
A gem for experienced aquarists, the Licorice Gourami thrives in carefully maintained blackwater aquariums with minimal stress.
Difficult – requires specialized blackwater conditions and live foods.
10 gallons
4.0–6.0
1–5 dGH
75–82°F (24–28°C)
2 inches (5 cm)
Other blackwater specialists like small rasboras or shrimp.
Avoid large or active fish that will outcompete them for food or cause stress.
Parosphromenus deissneri
Osphronemidae
Indonesia, Malaysia
Peaceful but shy; best kept in pairs or small groups in species tanks.
Offer live foods regularly; supplement with high-quality frozen foods.
Cave spawner; males court females and guard eggs inside crevices or small caves.
Breed in species-only tanks with soft, acidic water. Provide small caves or leaf litter for egg-laying.
pH: 4.0–6.0, Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C).
Stress-related illnesses if housed in poor conditions; sensitive to changes in water chemistry.
Shy and peaceful; best kept in species tanks.
Very shy and peaceful; thrive in quiet tanks with dense planting and low lighting.
Licorice Gouramis are among the most beautiful and delicate gourami species. They are small, shy fish native to blackwater streams of Southeast Asia. Their unique black and white banded pattern makes them stand out, though they require carefully maintained, soft, acidic water to thrive.