Licorice Gourami Tank Mates – Creating A Peaceful Blackwater Community

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever stood in front of an aquarium, mesmerized by the tiny, iridescent flash of a Licorice Gourami? These little jewels are some of the most beautiful nano fish in the hobby. But their shy, delicate nature often leaves aquarists asking a crucial question: “What on earth can I keep with them?” It’s a valid concern—one wrong choice can turn your peaceful underwater world into a stressful, chaotic mess.

The secret to a thriving Licorice Gourami tank isn’t just about them; it’s about the peaceful community you build around them. Choosing the right companions is the single most important factor in seeing their full, breathtaking colors and fascinating natural behaviors.

Imagine a dimly lit, tea-stained aquarium where your gouramis feel so safe and secure, they emerge from the shadows to explore, flare their fins in stunning courtship displays, and coexist peacefully with their neighbors. It’s not just a dream—it’s completely achievable.

In this complete guide, we’ll unlock the secrets to choosing the perfect licorice gourami tank mates. We’ll dive deep into their needs, highlight the best and worst companions, and give you the confidence to create a harmonious aquatic masterpiece.

Understanding the Licorice Gourami’s Needs First

Before we even think about adding other fish, let’s get to know our star player. You wouldn’t invite guests over without knowing what makes you comfortable in your own home, right? The same goes for your gouramis.

Licorice Gouramis (genus Parosphromenus) are not your typical, hardy gourami. They are shy, slow-moving micro-predators hailing from the peat swamp forests of Southeast Asia. Their natural home is a world of shadows, tangled roots, and soft, acidic, tannin-stained water—often called blackwater.

To make them feel at home, you need to replicate this environment. Think of a tank with:

  • Soft, Acidic Water: A pH between 4.0 and 6.5 and very low general hardness (GH) is a must.
  • Dense Vegetation: Lots of live plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Cryptocorynes create crucial hiding spots.
  • Leaf Litter: Indian Almond Leaves or oak leaves on the substrate release beneficial tannins and mimic their natural habitat.
  • Dim Lighting: Floating plants like Frogbit or Red Root Floaters help diffuse harsh light and reduce stress.

Understanding this foundation is the first step in our licorice gourami tank mates guide, because any fish you add must thrive in these exact same conditions.

The Golden Rules: How to Select Licorice Gourami Tank Mates

Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s lay down the ground rules for choosing companions. Following these licorice gourami tank mates best practices will save you a world of trouble and ensure a peaceful tank for years to come.

Rule #1: Size and Temperament are Everything

This is non-negotiable. Your tank mates must be small, peaceful, and calm. Avoid anything boisterous, hyperactive, or aggressive. A fish that darts around the tank constantly will stress your gouramis into permanent hiding.

Think zen garden, not race track. The goal is a community of calm, slow-moving fish that respect each other’s space.

Rule #2: Match the Water Parameters

As we covered, Licorice Gouramis need extremely soft, acidic water. You cannot compromise on this. Adding a fish that prefers hard, alkaline water (like most livebearers or African cichlids) is a recipe for disaster for one, if not both, species.

Always research a potential tank mate’s specific water parameter needs. If they don’t align perfectly with blackwater conditions, cross them off the list.

Rule #3: Occupy Different Tank Levels

A great way to promote harmony is to choose fish that use different parts of the water column. Licorice Gouramis tend to hang out in the mid-to-lower levels, weaving through plants and leaf litter.

Pairing them with top-dwelling rasboras or bottom-dwelling corydoras ensures that they aren’t constantly bumping into each other. This reduces competition for space and territory, creating a more balanced ecosystem.

Top 10 Best Licorice Gourami Tank Mates (Our Expert Picks)

Ready for the fun part? Here is our curated list of the best companions for your shy little jewels. Each of these has been tried and tested by experienced aquarists and is known to be a fantastic fit for a blackwater biotope.

  1. Chili Rasboras (Boraras brigittae): These tiny, fiery-red fish are perhaps the number one choice. They are incredibly peaceful, stay small, and their bright color looks stunning against the dark backdrop of a blackwater tank. They act as perfect dither fish, signaling to the gouramis that the environment is safe.
  2. Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus): Unlike their larger cousins, these adorable dwarf corys are gentle and won’t disturb your gouramis. They are tireless bottom-dwellers, cleaning up leftover food without getting in anyone’s way.
  3. Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae): Another fantastic nano fish. Embers are peaceful, small, and their subtle orange glow is a beautiful complement to the dark, iridescent colors of the gouramis. They are calm schoolers that add life without chaos.
  4. Kuhli Loaches (Pangio kuhlii): These peaceful, noodle-like bottom dwellers are perfect for a slightly larger gourami setup (20 gallons+). They are nocturnal and spend most of their time sifting through the substrate, completely ignoring other fish.
  5. Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus vittatus): If you need an algae-eater, look no further. Otos are small, completely peaceful herbivores that will happily graze on biofilm and algae without bothering a single soul. Always keep them in a small group!
  6. Phoenix Rasboras (Boraras merah): A close relative of the Chili Rasbora, Phoenix Rasboras are another excellent choice. They share the same small size and peaceful temperament, offering a slightly different color pattern.

    7. *

  7. Dwarf Shrimp (Neocaridina or Caridina): Species like Cherry Shrimp or Crystal Red Shrimp can make great companions. They are excellent cleaners and add another layer of activity. A word of caution: while adult shrimp are safe, Licorice Gouramis are micro-predators and will hunt and eat baby shrimp (shrimplets). If you’re serious about breeding shrimp, a species-only tank is better.
  8. Sundadanio axelrodi (Axelrod’s Rasbora): These tiny, blue-glowing fish are a true blackwater specialist. They are a perfect match for the gouramis’ water requirements and their shy nature means they won’t cause any stress.
  9. Kubotai Rasboras (Microdevario kubotai): Also known as Neon Green Rasboras, these fish are a bit more active than Chilis but are still small and peaceful enough to work. Their bright green shimmer adds a dazzling flash of color to the tank.
  10. Sparkling Gouramis (Trichopsis pumila): This is an advanced option and comes with a strong warning. While they are small and require similar water, Sparkling Gouramis can sometimes be territorial towards other labyrinth fish. This pairing can only work in a larger, very densely planted tank (20+ gallons) where they can establish separate territories. Proceed with caution!

Tank Mates to AVOID at All Costs

Just as important as knowing who to add is knowing who to leave at the pet store. Adding any of the following is one of the most common problems with licorice gourami tank mates and will almost certainly lead to failure.

  • Fast and Boisterous Fish: Zebra Danios, larger tetras, and most barbs (especially Tiger Barbs) are far too active. Their constant movement is incredibly stressful for shy fish.
  • Fin-Nippers: Serpae Tetras and Black Skirt Tetras are notorious fin-nippers. They would harass your gouramis relentlessly.
  • Large or Predatory Fish: This should be obvious, but anything that can fit a Licorice Gourami in its mouth is out. This includes Angelfish, most Cichlids, and larger Gouramis.
  • Betta Fish (Betta splendens): While both are labyrinth fish, a Betta is far too aggressive and territorial. They would likely bully or kill your Licorice Gouramis. Don’t do it.
  • Most Livebearers: Guppies, Mollies, and Platies require hard, alkaline water—the complete opposite of what your gouramis need. This is a fundamental incompatibility.

Setting Up for Success: A Licorice Gourami Tank Mates Care Guide

Creating a thriving community goes beyond just picking the right fish. Your setup and maintenance routine are key. This is where we get into the practical licorice gourami tank mates tips.

The Importance of a Biotope-Style Tank

A biotope is an aquarium designed to replicate a specific natural habitat as closely as possible. For Licorice Gouramis, this is the most sustainable licorice gourami tank mates approach. By using dense planting, wood, and leaf litter, you create countless broken lines of sight and hiding spots. This makes the gouramis feel secure and prevents territorial squabbles, as fish can easily retreat from one another.

This eco-friendly licorice gourami tank mates strategy not only benefits your fish but also creates a stunning, naturalistic display.

Introducing New Fish Safely

Never just dump new fish into your tank! Always quarantine new arrivals in a separate tank for 2-4 weeks to monitor for disease. When you’re ready to add them to the main tank, use the drip acclimation method. This slowly and gently acclimates the new fish to your tank’s specific water parameters, which is crucial for sensitive blackwater species.

Feeding a Community of Micro-Predators

Licorice Gouramis can be picky and are easily outcompeted for food. Flake food often won’t cut it. You need to provide a steady diet of small live or frozen foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro-worms.

To ensure your gouramis get their share, use a pipette or turkey baster to target-feed them directly. Release the food near their hiding spots. This prevents faster tank mates from gobbling everything up first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Licorice Gourami Tank Mates

How many Licorice Gouramis can I keep together?

It’s best to keep them in pairs or small groups. A good starting point for a 10-gallon tank is one male and two females. In a 20-gallon or larger, you can keep a larger group. Providing plenty of hiding spots is key to managing any minor territorial behavior between males.

Can Licorice Gouramis live with Betta fish?

Absolutely not. This is a very common question, but it’s an incompatible pairing. A Betta fish is far too aggressive and will bully, injure, or kill the much more delicate and peaceful Licorice Gourami.

What is the best tank size for a Licorice Gourami community?

A 10-gallon tank is the minimum for a pair of gouramis and a small school of nano fish like Chili Rasboras. However, a 20-gallon long tank is much better, as it provides more horizontal swimming space and stability, allowing for a larger, more diverse, and more stable community.

Can I keep shrimp with my Licorice Gouramis?

Yes, with a caveat. Adult dwarf shrimp are perfectly safe. However, Licorice Gouramis are natural micro-predators and will happily snack on any baby shrimp they can find. If your goal is to breed shrimp successfully, they need their own tank. If you just want to enjoy some adult shrimp as part of the cleanup crew, they make great companions.

How do I create the blackwater conditions these fish need?

The easiest way is to use RO/DI (Reverse Osmosis/De-ionized) water and remineralize it to a very low GH. Then, add botanicals like Indian Almond Leaves, alder cones, or cholla wood. These release tannins that naturally lower the pH and give the water its characteristic tea-stained color.

Your Peaceful Community Awaits

Choosing the right licorice gourami tank mates can feel daunting, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of keeping these incredible fish. It’s a gentle art of balance, patience, and understanding the needs of these delicate creatures.

By focusing on small, peaceful companions that love the same soft, acidic water, and by providing a complex, densely planted environment, you are setting yourself up for success. You’re not just keeping fish; you’re cultivating a tiny, thriving ecosystem.

Now you have the knowledge and the confidence to move forward. Go create that beautiful, serene blackwater community you’ve been dreaming of. Happy fishkeeping!

Howard Parker
Latest posts by Howard Parker (see all)