Bintan Licorice Gourami – The Ultimate Guide To Thriving, Sustainable

Written ByHoward Parker

Dreaming of a captivating, tranquil corner in your home? Many aquarists, just like you, seek out truly unique and peaceful fish that add a touch of understated elegance to their tanks. If the stunning bintan licorice gourami (Parosphromenus bintan) has caught your eye, you’re in for a treat! These miniature marvels, with their intricate patterns and shy demeanor, are quickly becoming a favorite among those who appreciate the subtle beauty of blackwater species.

But perhaps you’re wondering: are they difficult to keep? What special care do they need? Don’t worry—this comprehensive guide from Aquifarm is your go-to resource for mastering the art of keeping these exquisite fish. We’re here to share all the expert insights, tips, and best practices to ensure your gouramis don’t just survive, but truly thrive.

In the following sections, we’ll dive deep into everything from ideal tank setup and precise water parameters to feeding, breeding, and even sustainable bintan licorice gourami keeping. By the end, you’ll feel confident in providing these little gems with a thriving home, transforming your aquarium into a breathtaking slice of their natural habitat.

Discovering the Bintan Licorice Gourami: A Jewel for Your Aquarium

Let’s start by getting acquainted with this fascinating species. The bintan licorice gourami is a small, freshwater fish belonging to the family Osphronemidae, which includes other gouramis and bettas. They are part of the “licorice gourami” group (genus Parosphromenus), known for their distinct patterns and preference for very soft, acidic blackwater environments.

Originating from the island of Bintan in Indonesia, these fish are perfectly adapted to the tannin-stained, slow-moving waters of peat swamps and forest streams. Their natural habitat is typically shallow, heavily vegetated, and filled with leaf litter, which provides both cover and a rich food source. Understanding their origins is the first step in providing them with the best care.

Appearance and Unique Charm

What makes the bintan licorice gourami so appealing? Despite their small size, usually no more than 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), they boast incredible beauty. Males, especially when displaying, exhibit iridescent blue, green, and red hues on their fins, often with intricate banding and spotting. Their bodies are typically a dark, earthy brown, providing excellent camouflage in their blackwater homes.

Females are generally less colorful, with subdued patterns, but still possess a quiet elegance. The subtle, shimmering colors of these fish truly come alive under dim lighting, making them a captivating focal point in a carefully aquascaped tank.

Temperament and Why They’re a Great Choice

The bintan licorice gourami is known for its incredibly peaceful and shy nature. This makes them an ideal candidate for species-only tanks or carefully chosen community setups. They are not boisterous swimmers; instead, they prefer to subtly explore their environment, often hovering among plants or under leaf litter.

The benefits of bintan licorice gourami extend beyond their beauty and calm demeanor. They are perfect for smaller aquariums (often called nano tanks) and offer a rewarding challenge for aquarists who enjoy creating highly specialized environments. Their unique care requirements push you to learn more about water chemistry and botanical aquariums, enhancing your overall aquarist skills.

Setting Up the Perfect Home: Bintan Licorice Gourami Care Guide

Providing the right environment is paramount for the health and happiness of your bintan licorice gouramis. Think of it as recreating a mini Bintan peat swamp right in your living room!

Tank Size and Setup Essentials

While small, these fish appreciate space, especially if you’re keeping a group or hoping for breeding. A minimum of a 10-gallon (38-liter) tank is recommended for a pair or a small group, though a 15-gallon (57-liter) or 20-gallon (76-liter) long tank offers more stability and swimming room.

  • Substrate: Opt for a dark, fine sand substrate. This mimics their natural environment and helps their colors pop.
  • Lighting: Keep lighting dim. Bright lights will stress these shy fish. Floating plants like Frogbit or Dwarf Water Lettuce are excellent for diffusing light and providing overhead cover.
  • Filtration: Gentle filtration is key. A sponge filter is often the best choice as it provides biological filtration without creating strong currents, which these fish dislike. An air stone can be added for additional oxygenation if needed.
  • Decor: This is where you truly replicate their habitat. Incorporate plenty of hiding spots and visual barriers.

For decor, consider:

  • Driftwood (especially Malaysian or Manzanita)
  • Leaf litter (Indian Almond leaves, Guava leaves, Oak leaves) – these release tannins, create ideal blackwater conditions, and serve as a foraging ground.
  • Dense planting with species like Java Moss, Anubias, Bucephalandra, and Cryptocoryne species.

Trust me, creating a heavily planted, naturally decorated tank is one of the best bintan licorice gourami tips you’ll ever receive. It reduces stress and encourages natural behaviors.

Water Parameters: The Key to Thriving Bintan Licorice Gouramis

This is arguably the most critical aspect of keeping Parosphromenus bintan. They absolutely require soft, acidic, blackwater conditions. Consistency in these parameters is more important than hitting exact numbers, but here are the targets:

  • Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F). Aim for the middle to lower end of this range for general keeping, slightly higher for breeding.
  • pH: Very acidic, ideally between 4.0 and 6.5. Anything above 7.0 will likely cause stress and health issues.
  • Hardness (GH/KH): Extremely soft water, 0-5 dGH (general hardness) and 0-3 dKH (carbonate hardness). These fish are sensitive to dissolved minerals.

To achieve and maintain these parameters, reverse osmosis (RO) water remineralized to appropriate levels is often necessary. Tap water, unless naturally soft and acidic, usually won’t cut it. The use of botanicals like Indian Almond leaves, alder cones, and peat moss in the filter can help lower pH and add beneficial tannins, creating that coveted blackwater look and feel.

Regular, small water changes (10-15% weekly) with properly prepared water are crucial. This helps maintain stable parameters and removes nitrates without causing drastic shifts that could shock your fish. Stable conditions are a cornerstone of bintan licorice gourami best practices.

Diet and Nutrition: Feeding Your Bintan Licorice Gourami for Health

Bintan licorice gouramis are micro-predators in the wild, primarily feeding on tiny invertebrates. Replicating this diet in the aquarium is essential for their vibrant coloration, health, and breeding success.

They are not typically enthusiastic dry food eaters, so relying solely on flakes or pellets is not recommended. Instead, focus on small, high-quality live or frozen foods:

  • Live Foods: Daphnia, brine shrimp nauplii, micro worms, grindal worms, small mosquito larvae. These are ideal as they provide natural hunting stimulation.
  • Frozen Foods: Frozen daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp, and finely chopped bloodworms or tubifex worms. Thaw thoroughly before feeding.
  • High-Quality Dry Foods (Supplement): Some individuals might accept crushed high-quality micro pellets or flakes, but this should be a supplement, not the primary diet.

Feed small amounts 2-3 times a day. They have small stomachs and a higher metabolism, so frequent, small meals are better than one large one. Observe their eating habits; if food is left uneaten after a few minutes, you’re feeding too much. Overfeeding can quickly foul the pristine water they require.

Tank Mates and Social Behavior: Happy Homes for Your Bintan Licorice Gourami

Due to their shy nature and specific water requirements, choosing tank mates for your bintan licorice gourami needs careful consideration. A species-only tank is often the best approach, allowing their natural behaviors to shine without competition or stress.

However, if you wish to create a community, opt for other peaceful, small, blackwater-adapted species that won’t outcompete them for food or space. Good choices include:

  • Small, peaceful tetras (e.g., Ember Tetras, Chili Rasboras, Phoenix Rasboras, Espei Rasboras)
  • Dwarf Corydoras species (e.g., Corydoras habrosus, C. pygmaeus)
  • Otocinclus catfish
  • Other small, peaceful loaches (e.g., Kuhli Loaches)

Avoid any fish that are:

  • Aggressive or fin-nippers
  • Large or boisterous
  • Require vastly different water parameters (e.g., hard, alkaline water)
  • Fast eaters that will snatch all the food before your gouramis get a chance

Bintan licorice gouramis can be kept in pairs or small groups. Males can be territorial, especially during breeding, but usually, this aggression is display-based and rarely results in harm in a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding spots. Keeping more females than males can help diffuse any potential squabbles.

Breeding the Elusive Bintan Licorice Gourami: A Rewarding Challenge

Breeding the bintan licorice gourami is a fascinating and rewarding experience, though it requires patience and dedication. They are bubble nest builders, a trait shared with many other gouramis and bettas.

Sexing and Conditioning

Sexing can be subtle. Males are generally more colorful, especially in their fins, and may have slightly longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins. Females tend to be rounder in the belly, especially when gravid, and have duller coloration.

To encourage breeding, condition your pair or group with a varied diet of live and frozen foods. Ensure water parameters are pristine and stable, leaning towards the warmer end of their temperature range (around 26-28°C or 79-82°F). A slightly larger water change with cooler, soft water can sometimes trigger spawning.

The Spawning Process

The male will build a small bubble nest, often under a leaf (like an Indian Almond leaf) or a piece of wood. He will then entice the female to spawn beneath it. The spawning embrace is typical of anabantoids, with the male wrapping around the female to release eggs and milt.

The eggs are buoyant and will float up into the bubble nest. The male will guard the nest diligently. It’s often best to remove the female after spawning, as the male may become aggressive towards her. Once the fry are free-swimming (usually 3-5 days after hatching), the male can also be removed.

Raising the Fry

Licorice gourami fry are tiny and require infusoria or specialized liquid fry food for their first few days. As they grow, you can transition them to newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii and then micro worms. Maintaining excellent water quality with small, frequent water changes is crucial for fry survival.

Common Problems with Bintan Licorice Gourami and How to Solve Them

Even with the best intentions, aquarists can encounter challenges. Understanding common problems with bintan licorice gourami can help you act quickly and effectively.

  • Stress and Fading Colors: The most common issue. Often caused by poor water quality, incorrect parameters (especially high pH or hardness), too much light, or aggressive tank mates.
    • Solution: Double-check all water parameters. Increase leaf litter, dim lighting, and ensure plenty of hiding spots. Re-evaluate tank mates.
  • Fin Rot: Can occur due to poor water quality or injury.
    • Solution: Improve water quality immediately with small, frequent water changes. If severe, consider a mild antibacterial treatment designed for sensitive fish, but prioritize water quality.
  • Lack of Appetite: Usually a sign of stress or illness.
    • Solution: Review water parameters, diet, and environment. Try offering different live foods. If other symptoms are present, research specific treatments.
  • Ich (White Spot Disease): While less common in stable blackwater tanks, it can still happen, especially with new, unquarantined fish or sudden temperature swings.
    • Solution: Raise temperature slowly to 29-30°C (84-86°F) if tank mates can tolerate it, and add aquarium salt (if tank mates can tolerate). Consider an Ich treatment if necessary, but be cautious with medications as these fish are sensitive. Always prioritize prevention through quarantine.

Regular observation is your best tool. Any change in behavior, color, or appetite warrants investigation. Addressing issues promptly is key to successful how to bintan licorice gourami keeping.

Sustainable Bintan Licorice Gourami Keeping: Eco-Friendly Best Practices

As responsible aquarists, we have a role to play in protecting aquatic environments. When it comes to Parosphromenus bintan, sustainability is an important consideration.

Sourcing Ethically

Many licorice gouramis are wild-caught. While this supports local economies, it’s crucial to ensure they are sourced responsibly and legally. Look for reputable suppliers who can verify the origin of their fish and practice ethical collection methods.

Even better, seek out captive-bred bintan licorice gouramis. Supporting breeders helps reduce pressure on wild populations and often results in hardier fish that are already accustomed to aquarium life. This is a significant aspect of eco-friendly bintan licorice gourami care.

Minimizing Environmental Impact

Your aquarium practices can also contribute to sustainability:

  • Responsible Water Changes: If using RO water, consider how the waste water is managed. Many use it for houseplants.
  • Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient heaters and LED lighting.
  • Botanical Sourcing: If collecting your own leaf litter, ensure it’s from a pesticide-free source. Buying from reputable aquarium suppliers ensures it’s safe.
  • Avoid Over-Collection: If you breed your fish, avoid releasing them into local waterways, as this can introduce non-native species.

By adopting these sustainable bintan licorice gourami practices, you’re not just caring for your fish, but also contributing to the broader health of aquatic ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bintan Licorice Gourami

Are Bintan Licorice Gouramis good for beginners?

While not a “first fish” for a brand-new beginner, an enthusiastic beginner who is willing to learn about specific water parameters (especially soft, acidic water) and maintain stable conditions can certainly succeed. They are peaceful and don’t require huge tanks, making them approachable for those ready for a slight challenge.

What makes their water parameters so specific?

Their native habitat in Bintan consists of peat swamps and forest streams with decaying leaf litter, leading to naturally very soft, acidic, and tannin-stained water. Replicating these conditions is crucial for their immune system, stress levels, and overall well-being. Deviations can quickly lead to stress and disease.

Can I keep just one Bintan Licorice Gourami?

While possible, they are social fish and tend to do better in pairs or small groups (e.g., a male with 2-3 females). Keeping them alone might lead to shyness and reduced activity. In a group, you’ll observe more natural behaviors and interactions.

How often should I feed them?

Small amounts 2-3 times a day are ideal. They have small stomachs and a high metabolism. Focus on live or frozen micro-foods. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food will quickly foul their sensitive water.

What’s the best way to acclimate them?

Due to their sensitivity to water parameter changes, drip acclimation is highly recommended. This involves slowly adding small amounts of your tank water to the bag water over 1-2 hours, allowing them to gradually adjust to the new conditions. Avoid floating the bag directly in the tank if it causes significant temperature changes.

Conclusion

Caring for the bintan licorice gourami is a truly enriching experience that challenges and rewards aquarists in equal measure. These captivating fish, with their subtle beauty and unique requirements, offer a window into the delicate ecosystems of their natural homes. By following this detailed guide, you’ve gained the knowledge and confidence to provide them with an environment where they can not only survive but truly flourish.

Remember, the key to success lies in understanding their need for soft, acidic blackwater, providing a densely planted and decorated tank, and offering a diet rich in live and frozen foods. Embrace the journey of creating a specialized habitat, and you’ll be rewarded with the vibrant colors and intriguing behaviors of these miniature jewels.

So, take these bintan licorice gourami tips, apply the bintan licorice gourami best practices, and prepare to be mesmerized. Your aquarium is about to become a breathtaking sanctuary, and your expertise will grow with every shimmering display. Go forth and cultivate your own thriving slice of Bintan!

Howard Parker
Latest posts by Howard Parker (see all)