Licorice Gourami 2-4cm

Description

Licorice Gourami (Parosphromenus deissneri)

Tiny, beautifully coloured and highly sought after, the Licorice Gourami is a true jewel of the blackwater aquarium. Best suited to experienced aquarists, this delicate species rewards careful husbandry with incredible colours and fascinating natural behaviour.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Parosphromenus deissneri*
  • Common name: Licorice Gourami
  • Adult size: 3–4 cm
  • Tank size: 30L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: πŸ”΄ Advanced
  • Temperament: Peaceful and shy
  • Best kept: Pairs or small groups in a species-focused aquarium

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You enjoy keeping rare and specialised fish.
  • You have experience maintaining soft, acidic blackwater aquariums.
  • You appreciate subtle beauty and natural behaviours.
  • You're interested in breeding uncommon labyrinth fish.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You're new to fishkeeping.
  • Your aquarium has hard or alkaline water.
  • You keep active or boisterous community fish.
  • You prefer colourful fish that are constantly on display.

Why choose Licorice Gouramis?

Licorice Gouramis are among the most desirable nano labyrinth fish in the aquarium hobby. Native to the tannin-rich peat swamps of Southeast Asia, they display incredible iridescent blues, reds and blacks, particularly when mature males are displaying to females.

Unlike many community fish, Licorice Gouramis thrive in quiet, heavily planted blackwater aquariums with leaf litter, driftwood and subdued lighting. Their gentle nature and fascinating courtship displays make them a rewarding species for aquarists who enjoy creating natural biotope-style aquariums.

These fish are best appreciated in peaceful surroundings where their subtle colours and natural behaviours can truly shine. Stable water conditions are essential for long-term success.

Benefits

  • Beautiful iridescent breeding colours
  • Ideal for authentic blackwater aquariums
  • Fascinating courtship and breeding behaviour
  • Excellent nano species
  • Peaceful temperament
  • Highly sought after by specialist aquarists

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
  • pH: 4.5–6.5
  • Diet: Live foods, frozen foods and premium micro foods
  • Water: Very soft, clean and stable with minimal flow
  • Setup: Blackwater aquarium with leaf litter, driftwood, floating plants and dense cover
  • Perform small, regular water changes to maintain excellent water quality while avoiding sudden parameter changes.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Other Licorice Gouramis
  • Peaceful Boraras species (where legally available)
  • Small peaceful rasboras
  • Micro freshwater shrimp
  • Blackwater nano community species with similar water requirements
NTA Insight:
Licorice Gouramis are often purchased for their colours, but success comes from recreating their natural environment. Soft acidic water, tannins from botanicals, dim lighting and a calm aquarium will produce healthier fish, richer colours and much more natural behaviour. They're a species that rewards patience and attention to detail.

FAQ

How big do Licorice Gouramis grow?

Adults typically reach around 3–4 cm, making them ideal for specialised nano aquariums.

Are Licorice Gouramis suitable for beginners?

No. They require stable, soft acidic water and are best kept by aquarists with experience maintaining blackwater aquariums.

Can they live in community aquariums?

Yes, but only with very peaceful fish that share similar water requirements. Species-only aquariums are often the best option.

Do Licorice Gouramis need blackwater?

While they may survive in other conditions, they thrive and display their best colours in soft, tannin-rich blackwater aquariums that closely resemble their natural habitat.

What foods do they prefer?

They do best on a varied diet of live and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia and microworms, although many will also accept quality micro pellets once established.

*Note: "Licorice Gourami" is a common trade name applied to several Parosphromenus species. If your supplier identifies a different species (such as P. linkei, P. nagyi or P. ornaticauda), it's best to use that scientific name on the product listing.

Licorice Gourami 2-4cm

Product form

SKU: 20

Out of stock,  

$12.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Licorice Gourami (Parosphromenus deissneri)

    Tiny, beautifully coloured and highly sought after, the Licorice Gourami is a true jewel of the blackwater aquarium. Best suited to experienced aquarists, this delicate species rewards careful husbandry with incredible colours and fascinating natural behaviour.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Parosphromenus deissneri*
    • Common name: Licorice Gourami
    • Adult size: 3–4 cm
    • Tank size: 30L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: πŸ”΄ Advanced
    • Temperament: Peaceful and shy
    • Best kept: Pairs or small groups in a species-focused aquarium

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You enjoy keeping rare and specialised fish.
    • You have experience maintaining soft, acidic blackwater aquariums.
    • You appreciate subtle beauty and natural behaviours.
    • You're interested in breeding uncommon labyrinth fish.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You're new to fishkeeping.
    • Your aquarium has hard or alkaline water.
    • You keep active or boisterous community fish.
    • You prefer colourful fish that are constantly on display.

    Why choose Licorice Gouramis?

    Licorice Gouramis are among the most desirable nano labyrinth fish in the aquarium hobby. Native to the tannin-rich peat swamps of Southeast Asia, they display incredible iridescent blues, reds and blacks, particularly when mature males are displaying to females.

    Unlike many community fish, Licorice Gouramis thrive in quiet, heavily planted blackwater aquariums with leaf litter, driftwood and subdued lighting. Their gentle nature and fascinating courtship displays make them a rewarding species for aquarists who enjoy creating natural biotope-style aquariums.

    These fish are best appreciated in peaceful surroundings where their subtle colours and natural behaviours can truly shine. Stable water conditions are essential for long-term success.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful iridescent breeding colours
    • Ideal for authentic blackwater aquariums
    • Fascinating courtship and breeding behaviour
    • Excellent nano species
    • Peaceful temperament
    • Highly sought after by specialist aquarists

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
    • pH: 4.5–6.5
    • Diet: Live foods, frozen foods and premium micro foods
    • Water: Very soft, clean and stable with minimal flow
    • Setup: Blackwater aquarium with leaf litter, driftwood, floating plants and dense cover
    • Perform small, regular water changes to maintain excellent water quality while avoiding sudden parameter changes.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Other Licorice Gouramis
    • Peaceful Boraras species (where legally available)
    • Small peaceful rasboras
    • Micro freshwater shrimp
    • Blackwater nano community species with similar water requirements
    NTA Insight:
    Licorice Gouramis are often purchased for their colours, but success comes from recreating their natural environment. Soft acidic water, tannins from botanicals, dim lighting and a calm aquarium will produce healthier fish, richer colours and much more natural behaviour. They're a species that rewards patience and attention to detail.

    FAQ

    How big do Licorice Gouramis grow?

    Adults typically reach around 3–4 cm, making them ideal for specialised nano aquariums.

    Are Licorice Gouramis suitable for beginners?

    No. They require stable, soft acidic water and are best kept by aquarists with experience maintaining blackwater aquariums.

    Can they live in community aquariums?

    Yes, but only with very peaceful fish that share similar water requirements. Species-only aquariums are often the best option.

    Do Licorice Gouramis need blackwater?

    While they may survive in other conditions, they thrive and display their best colours in soft, tannin-rich blackwater aquariums that closely resemble their natural habitat.

    What foods do they prefer?

    They do best on a varied diet of live and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia and microworms, although many will also accept quality micro pellets once established.

    *Note: "Licorice Gourami" is a common trade name applied to several Parosphromenus species. If your supplier identifies a different species (such as P. linkei, P. nagyi or P. ornaticauda), it's best to use that scientific name on the product listing.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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