Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Licorice Gourami

Parosphromenus deissneri (Bleeker, 1859)

Also called Deissner's liquorice gourami, Osphromenus deissneri (original name)

SpeciesShort profile

From Endemic to Bangka Island, Indonesia, mostly in the north and east, in slow, tea-coloured blackwater streams of peat swamp forest among dense vegetation.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length3 to 4 cm2 1

Sizetiny

Jewel-like male fin colours

Fascinating cave-spawning behaviour

Perfect for a dedicated blackwater nano tank

Looks how to spot one

Scaled, slender, elongated labyrinth fish

A small, slim, elongated fish. Males have dorsal, anal and tail fins edged in white to bluish with a black band inside, plus iridescent green-blue pelvic fins; females are much plainer.1 2

ColoursBrown-black stripesWhite to bluish fin edges (males)Green-blue pelvic fins (males)1

Personality what they are like

A timid, peaceful little fish that does best in a calm species tank where it can show its colours.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A quiet fish suited to slow, gently flowing water with plenty of plants and leaf litter.1 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs very soft, acidic water, gentle or no flow, and leaf litter or small caves. Keep the water very clean with careful, small water changes.1

Home where they are happiest

Tank with a base of at least 40 x 20 cm (about 16 litres) for a pair. Temperature 22-28 °C, pH 3.0-6.5, hardness 1-4 dGH.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A micropredator. Feed live foods such as brine shrimp nauplii, daphnia, mosquito larvae and microworms; frozen food may be taken, dried food usually is not.1

Company who they like around

Keep alone as a pair or with a small group of tiny, peaceful cyprinids. Do not mix different Parosphromenus species.1

The story where it all began

Pieter Bleeker described it in 1859 from fish collected on Bangka by F. H. Deissner, a military health officer. For almost a century it was the only known member of its genus, which now contains around 20 species.3 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is named after F. H. Deissner, who sent the first specimens to Pieter Bleeker.3
2
It is found naturally only on one Indonesian island, Bangka.2
3
Pairs spawn in small caves or among leaf litter, and the male alone looks after the eggs.1
4
For nearly 100 years it was the only recognised licorice gourami; today the genus has about 20 species.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Endangered (assessed 6 January 2020)2
Taxonomy: Type species of the genus Parosphromenus; originally described as Osphromenus deissneri; a neotype was designated in 19981

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Licorice Gourami. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Licorice Gourami?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding small amounts once or twice daily. Since they are micropredators, offer live foods like brine shrimp nauplii or daphnia. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Licorice Gourami eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Licorice Gourami is a micropredator that loves live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae. Frozen foods may be accepted, but dried foods usually are not. Avoid any food that is not tiny and live or frozen.1

How much space does a Licorice Gourami need?

A pair needs a tank with a base of at least 40 x 20 cm, around 16 litres. It's a small fish, but it needs space to feel secure with plenty of plants and leaf litter.1

What temperature, light or water does a Licorice Gourami need?

Keep water temperature between 22-28°C, pH very acidic at 3.0-6.5, and hardness very low at 1-4 dGH. Provide gentle or no water flow and a dimly lit environment with plenty of plants and leaf litter.1 3

How often should I clean a Licorice Gourami's home?

Furry Diary's plan recommends a 25% water change and glass cleaning weekly, and rinsing the filter in old tank water monthly. Always use careful, small water changes to keep the water very clean. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Licorice Gourami live with others?

Your Licorice Gourami is timid and does best alone as a pair or with a small group of tiny, peaceful cyprinids. Never mix different Parosphromenus species.1

How long does a Licorice Gourami live?

Lifespan varies greatly depending on care. For a typical range, please ask your vet or a good breeder.

Can I handle a Licorice Gourami?

Licorice Gouramis are delicate and timid, so handling is not recommended. They are best observed in their tank.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

Seriously Fish: Parosphromenus deissneri (Deissner's Liquorice Gourami) seriouslyfish.comused for standard length, native range, habitat, tank size, temperature, pH, hardness, diet, compatibility, sexing, breeding
FishBase: Parosphromenus deissneri, Licorice gourami fishbase.seused for max length, distribution, habitat, water ranges, IUCN status, uses, breeding biology, author and year
Wikipedia: Parosphromenus deissneri en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, description, taxonomy and history, fun facts

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.