{"product_id":"licorice-gourami","title":"Licorice Gourami","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Licorice Gourami\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Licorice Gourami is one of the most beautiful and sought-after nano fish in the aquarium hobby. Native to the blackwater peat swamps and slow-moving forest streams of Southeast Asia, this tiny labyrinth fish is renowned for its stunning iridescent blue, red, and black colouration, particularly in mature males during breeding displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough small in size, Licorice Gouramis are full of personality and are best suited to heavily planted or blackwater aquariums with soft, acidic water. Floating plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and subdued lighting help recreate their natural habitat and encourage their vibrant colours. Due to their shy nature, they are best kept either in a species-only aquarium or with other very peaceful nano fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLicorice Gouramis feed primarily on small live and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms, and mosquito larvae. While some captive-bred specimens may accept high-quality micro pellets, they thrive on a varied protein-rich diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith their incredible colours and fascinating behaviour, Licorice Gouramis are a rewarding species for dedicated aquarists looking to keep one of the hobby's most unique nano fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eParosphromenus deissneri\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLicorice Gourami\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndonesia (Bangka Island)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3–4 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful and shy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e30 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.0–6.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0–5 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3–5 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackwater aquariums, nano aquariums, and species-only tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Licorice Gouramis suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. They require very soft, acidic water and are best suited to experienced aquarists familiar with blackwater aquarium setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Licorice Gouramis eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey prefer live and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms, mosquito larvae, and cyclops. Some captive-bred fish will also accept quality micro pellets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Licorice Gouramis live with other fish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, but only with very small, peaceful species that won't outcompete them for food. Many keepers prefer species-only aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Licorice Gouramis need blackwater conditions?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile not always essential for captive-bred fish, they display their best colours and behaviour in soft, acidic blackwater aquariums rich in botanicals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are my Licorice Gouramis hiding?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is completely normal. They are naturally shy fish that feel most secure amongst dense plants, leaf litter, and driftwood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in hard, alkaline water\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLicorice Gouramis require very soft, acidic water to thrive and remain healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHousing with active community fish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaster species often outcompete them for food and cause unnecessary stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeeding only dry foods\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost specimens require live or frozen foods, particularly when first introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBright lighting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubdued lighting and floating plants help these fish feel secure and display their best colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLack of hiding places\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDense vegetation, driftwood, caves, and leaf litter are essential for reducing stress and encouraging natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853884174475,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/8aCzRVwtmA_CjjIInK_IN1Opt15mQ4vzB0iqyH6OQ8UoDYyaM6f7fs3mIlV_Ex8Z_w4H22hdWCQodB6WYMMkpAkqloONGktm9ZUrnXqZvGYaN9dnwHaTNJxw-mlvbpt7jWQG3ntEs8ORhQxmehVollARb36RCWbIeOE876EELRiR8Pcn1QK6J_4.jpg?v=1785994468","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/licorice-gourami","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}