Licorice Gourami Scientific Name – A Complete Guide To Parosphromenus

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever stood in front of an aquarium, mesmerized by a tiny, jewel-like fish darting between leaves, only to find out it’s a “Licorice Gourami”? It’s a common experience for many of us in the hobby. You agree that these little fish are absolutely stunning, but their delicate nature can feel a bit intimidating, right?

I promise you, by the end of this guide, you’ll not only understand the licorice gourami scientific name, but you’ll also have the confidence and knowledge to create a thriving, beautiful habitat for them. We’re going to unlock the secrets to keeping these incredible nano fish successfully.

We’ll dive deep into why their scientific name is so crucial, walk through the perfect tank setup step-by-step, cover their specific dietary needs, and even tackle some common problems you might encounter. Let’s get started on your journey to becoming a *Parosphromenus* expert!

Why the Licorice Gourami Scientific Name Matters So Much

First things first, let’s clear up a common point of confusion. When we talk about the “licorice gourami,” we aren’t talking about a single species. We’re actually referring to a whole group of fish in the genus Parosphromenus.

Knowing the specific licorice gourami scientific name for your fish is the first step in providing excellent care. Think of *Parosphromenus* as the family name. Within this family, there are over 20 distinct species, like Parosphromenus deissneri, Parosphromenus parvulus, and Parosphromenus bintan.

Each of these species comes from a slightly different micro-habitat in Southeast Asia. While their general needs are similar, one might prefer slightly cooler water or a different pH than another. Knowing the exact species allows you to perfectly tailor their environment, which is one of the most important licorice gourami scientific name tips I can give you.

The Ultimate Licorice Gourami Scientific Name Care Guide: Tank Setup

Creating the perfect home is where the magic begins. These aren’t fish you can just toss into a standard community tank. They are specialists, and they need a specialized setup to truly shine. This licorice gourami scientific name care guide will show you exactly how to do it.

Tank Size & Dimensions

Bigger isn’t always better for these tiny fish. A 5 to 10-gallon aquarium is actually perfect for a pair or a small group. What’s more important than volume is the tank’s footprint.

A longer, shallower tank (like a 10-gallon “long”) is far better than a tall, deep one. This provides more ground space for them to explore and establish tiny territories among the leaf litter.

The Magic of a Blackwater Biotope

If you take away only one thing, let it be this: Licorice Gouramis thrive in blackwater. This term describes water that is stained a transparent tea-color by tannins leached from decaying plant matter.

This isn’t just for looks! The tannins release beneficial humic and fulvic acids, which naturally lower the pH and create an environment that is antibacterial and antifungal. It perfectly mimics the peat swamp forests they call home.

How do you create it? It’s easy!

  • Indian Almond Leaves (Catappa): The gold standard for creating blackwater.
  • Alder Cones: Tiny cones that pack a powerful, tannin-rich punch.
  • Driftwood: Choose pieces like Mopani or Spiderwood that leach plenty of tannins.

Substrate, Decor, and Hiding Spots

These fish are shy by nature and feel most secure with tons of cover. A dark, fine-grained sand substrate is ideal, as it won’t buffer your pH upwards and it enhances their stunning colors.

From there, go wild with botanicals! Leaf litter is not just decor; it’s their home. Create a thick layer of leaves on the bottom of the tank. Add small pieces of driftwood, cholla wood, and small caves or coconut huts. The more complex and cluttered the environment, the safer and happier your gouramis will be.

Filtration and Water Flow

Licorice Gouramis come from still, stagnant waters. They hate strong water flow. A powerful hang-on-back or canister filter will stress them out immensely.

The best choice is a simple, air-driven sponge filter. It provides excellent biological filtration with almost no current. It’s gentle, effective, and one of the best practices for keeping these delicate fish.

Water Parameters: The Secret to Thriving Parosphromenus

This is the section that can intimidate newcomers, but don’t worry! Once you understand their needs, maintaining the right water is straightforward. Consistency is far more important than chasing a “perfect” number.

pH, GH, and KH: The Holy Trinity

This is non-negotiable. Licorice Gouramis need soft, acidic water. Aiming for these parameters is a core part of how to licorice gourami scientific name care is done right.

  • pH: Between 4.0 and 6.5. Yes, that low!
  • GH (General Hardness): Below 5 dGH, and as close to 0-1 as possible.
  • KH (Carbonate Hardness): Below 3 dKH, and ideally 0-1. A low KH is what allows your pH to drop and remain stable at an acidic level.

For most of us, tap water won’t work. The best way to achieve these conditions is by starting with pure RO/DI (Reverse Osmosis/De-ionized) water and then re-mineralizing it very slightly with a GH-only additive. The botanicals will do the rest of the work, slowly lowering the pH.

Temperature and Stability

Keep the tank at a stable temperature between 72-79°F (22-26°C). Use a reliable aquarium heater with a built-in thermostat. Sudden temperature swings are a major source of stress for these fish.

Water Changes

Because their tanks are small and their bioload is low, you don’t need to do massive water changes. In fact, large changes can shock them. It’s much better to perform small, frequent changes—about 10-15% once a week—using pre-prepared water that matches the tank’s parameters.

Feeding Your Delicate Jewels: Diet and Nutrition

Here’s a secret: you will probably never see your Licorice Gourami eat flake food. They are tiny micropredators, meaning they hunt for minuscule live organisms in their natural habitat.

To keep them healthy and see their best colors, you must provide a diet rich in live or high-quality frozen foods. This is one of the greatest benefits of licorice gourami scientific name knowledge—understanding their biology leads to better feeding habits.

Best Live Foods

Live food is the absolute best option. It encourages natural hunting behaviors and is incredibly nutritious.

  1. Daphnia: Often called “water fleas,” these are a perfect, gut-loaded food source.
  2. Baby Brine Shrimp: Newly hatched brine shrimp are irresistible to them.
  3. Microworms or Grindal Worms: Easy to culture at home and the perfect size.

High-Quality Frozen Options

If you can’t manage live foods all the time, frozen is the next best thing. Thaw a small amount in a cup of tank water before feeding.

  • Cyclops
  • Frozen Daphnia
  • Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Only give them what they can consume in about a minute to avoid polluting their small tank.

Common Problems with Licorice Gourami Scientific Name Care (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best care, you might run into a few bumps. Here are some common problems with licorice gourami scientific name care and how to get back on track.

Problem: My Fish Are Always Hiding!

Solution: This is often normal behavior, especially at first. The key is to make them feel secure. Add more leaf litter, more floating plants like Salvinia or Frogbit to dim the light, and more hiding spots. A calm environment is a confident gourami’s environment.

Problem: Fungal or Bacterial Infections

Solution: These fish can be susceptible to diseases like Velvet (Oodinium), especially if water parameters are unstable. The number one preventative measure is a strict quarantine protocol for any new fish. The second is maintaining pristine, stable water conditions. The acidic water created by tannins is naturally antiseptic and helps prevent many of these issues from taking hold.

Problem: They Won’t Eat!

Solution: This is almost always due to stress or being offered the wrong food. First, double-check all your water parameters. Second, offer live food. The wiggling movement of baby brine shrimp or daphnia is often too tempting for even the most stressed fish to ignore.

Sustainable Licorice Gourami Scientific Name Practices

As responsible aquarists, we have a role to play in protecting the fish we love. Many *Parosphromenus* species are threatened in the wild due to habitat destruction. This makes adopting an eco-friendly licorice gourami scientific name approach incredibly important.

Whenever possible, seek out captive-bred specimens instead of wild-caught ones. Captive-bred fish are hardier, already accustomed to aquarium life, and place no strain on wild populations. Supporting responsible breeders who are passionate about these species helps ensure they will be around for future generations to enjoy. This is a core tenet of sustainable licorice gourami scientific name best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Licorice Gourami

What is the exact licorice gourami scientific name?

There isn’t just one! The “licorice gourami” refers to the entire genus Parosphromenus. The most common species you might find is Parosphromenus deissneri, but there are over 20 others. Always try to find out the specific species name when you buy one.

Can licorice gouramis live with other fish?

Yes, but tank mates must be chosen with extreme care. They must be small, peaceful, and thrive in the same soft, acidic blackwater conditions. Excellent choices include Chili Rasboras (*Boraras brigittae*), Phoenix Rasboras (*Boraras merah*), or Pygmy Cories (*Corydoras pygmaeus*). Avoid anything boisterous, nippy, or large.

Are licorice gouramis good for beginners?

I would call them a fish for the “dedicated beginner.” If you are excited by the challenge of creating a specific biotope and managing water chemistry, then absolutely! They are not, however, a fish for someone who wants a low-maintenance, “set it and forget it” aquarium.

Your Journey with Parosphromenus Awaits

Whew, that was a lot of information! But now you see that understanding the licorice gourami scientific name is about so much more than just a name—it’s the key to understanding their entire world.

By providing them with the soft, acidic blackwater they love, a complex and secure environment, and a diet of tiny live foods, you’re not just keeping a fish; you’re creating a thriving slice of a peat swamp in your own home. It is one of the most rewarding experiences in the aquarium hobby.

Don’t be intimidated. Take it one step at a time, be patient, and enjoy the process. Go forth and create a beautiful, thriving home for these incredible aquatic jewels!

Howard Parker
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