Have you ever seen a fish that appears to be defying the rules that govern aquatic life? Introducing Deissner’s Gourami, also known as the Licorice Gourami. Not only is this amazing fish a wonder of the water, but it also makes a unique pet fish. Experienced and novice aquarists alike are drawn to the Licorice Gourami due to its remarkable appearance and unusual habits.
Why is the Licorice Gourami such a fascinating food? Its name, for starters, says it all. It looks like a piece of licorice with its body’s shimmering patterns and rich, dark colors. It goes beyond appearances, though. This fish has a talent for gracefully floating through the water with such ease that it almost seems ethereal. It serves as a live example of the diversity and beauty of aquatic life.
Owing to its manageable size and generally calm disposition, taking care of a Licorice Gourami can be an enjoyable experience. As long as you give it the right conditions, it works well in aquariums of all sizes. Like their natural habitat in the wild, they flourish in well-kept tanks with lots of hiding places and a mild current.
The Licorice Gourami offers a special blend of ease of use and elegance, whether you’re a novice or an experienced fish keeper. Explore the amazing world of the Licorice Gourami and learn why owning one is like having a little piece of underwater magic in your own house.
Natural habitat
The licorice gourami is found in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Bangke Island). It finds a home in rice fields, ditches, and blackwater swamps—unclean, muddy, overgrown freshwater reservoirs devoid of oxygen.
The ability to breathe air thanks to a unique organ located above the gill arches allows labyrinth fish to survive in such circumstances. Occasionally, gourami come out to breathe deeply. The capillary passage system that makes up the cunning organ resembles a labyrinth. These fish are known as labyrinths for this reason.
Certain members of this suborder are able to survive for roughly eight hours without water due to their superpowers.
Appearance
The appearance of men and women differs. Aquarists love licorice gourami because of their vivid coloring, which sets them apart. The fish’s body is striped with cream and dark brown colors.
The fins feature stripes of the same spots and a neon blue border. They are large, translucent, and have a reddish tint. Red, green, and blue stripes accentuate the outside. The primary hue is reddish-yellow.
The female appears more subdued, with less variation in her coloring. The predominant hue is yellow-brown. The male has a long, pointed dorsal fin, whereas the female has a shorter, rounded one.
Male gouramis have more intense coloring during the courtship period and when they are angry.
Gouramis can survive in tiny aquariums without filtration or aeration because they are acclimated to a murky, low-oxygen environment. Only 25% of the water needs to be replaced each week. Nevertheless, it is preferable to install a low-power aerator and filter—ones that won’t vibrate or make much noise—in order to provide the fish with comfortable surroundings.
An aquarium for two people must have a minimum capacity of 20 liters. It needs to fit tightly on the lid. It is advised to cover the bottom with dark soil because the fish stand out more against it. It will help to have a little current.
You must add plenty of vegetation to the aquarium in order to replicate a natural biotope. The following species are appropriate:
Fish should have lighting that is diffused and moderate. The source’s maximum specific power is 0.3 W/l. The aquarium is filled with a range of ornamental hiding places, including stones, branched snags, figurines, and embankments. A heater equipped with a thermostat is used to keep the water at a comfortable temperature during the winter.
Feeding
Fish with a broad diet is the licorice gourami. Therefore, dishes with both animal and plant origins should be offered on the aquarium menu.
The first one is chopped appropriately:
Salads, soft algae, and filamentous plants are examples of plant snacks. Addition of granulated food to the diet is advised.
Gourami are fed in the morning and the evening, twice a day. Food is provided in such a quantity that the fish can finish it in a matter of minutes.
The fascinating fish known as the Licorice Gourami, or Deissner’s Gourami, flourishes in its aquatic habitat with amazing ease and grace. This article explains how these fascinating fish, which are a delightful addition to any aquarium due to their vivid colors and distinctive behaviors, adapt so well to their underwater habitat. We’ll explore their needs for maintenance, innate habits, and the explanations for why they genuinely appear to live "like a fish in water."
Breeding
A separate aquarium with lots of vegetation holds a female that was raised from eggs along with several males. The latter can also be artificial and is only used as a shelter. 20 l of volume and 13–15 cm of depth.
The raised temperature is +28… +30 °C. A quarter of the water in the main aquarium is replaced with soft (osmotic) water. They mimic the rainy season’s conditions in this way, which is when licorice gourami naturally spawn.
Initially, the male constructs a foam nest on the surface. It slows down, uses his mouth to catch air, then descends into the water, releasing a bubble with its salivary walls. This process is carried out numerous times. Plant fragments are utilized as extra building material.
Subsequently, the male starts to entice the female by flaunting his straightened fins in front of her, circling around, and attempting to push his partner under the nest. The caviar made fun of itself because it was so light. The male deposits the eggs in the nest after catching them with his mouth.
Eggs develop into larvae with a readily apparent yolk bag and a source of nutrient substrate in a matter of one to two days. The male is posted when the larvae turn into fry and can swim; if not, he will catch them in his mouth and possibly swallow them on the way back to the nest. Light aeration is arranged and the depth is decreased to 6–10 cm at the same time. This makes sense because the fry’s labyrinth only forms in the second or third week, at which point they can float to the surface to breathe.
Young gourami are fed infusoria and tiny zooplankton, which are live dust. They move to dry fodder as they get a little older.
| Feature | Description |
| Common Name | Licorice Gourami |
| Scientific Name | Parosphromenus deissneri |
| Size | Up to 2.5 inches (6 cm) |
| Color | Iridescent with shades of blue, green, and red |
| Habitat | Slow-moving, densely planted waters in Southeast Asia |
| Water Conditions | Warm, slightly acidic to neutral pH, soft water |
| Behavior | Peaceful, prefers to be in small groups or pairs |
| Tank Setup | Well-planted with hiding spots, low to moderate lighting |
| Feeding | Small live or frozen foods, finely crushed flakes |
| Special Needs | Requires calm, stable environment with minimal water movement |
Also called Deissner’s gouramis, liquorice gouramis are a fun addition to any aquarium. They are an exceptional option for fish enthusiasts due to their captivating appearance and captivating behaviors. They give the aquatic environment a dash of elegance and vibrancy with their distinctive colors and patterns.
Not only are these fish visually appealing, but anyone watching them will be captivated by their fascinating behaviors. They are delightful to watch because of their jovial antics and elegant swimming strokes. These gouramis will thrive and keep captivating people with their beauty if their needs are met and the proper habitat is provided.
In conclusion, the licorice gourami is a fantastic illustration of the diversity and allure of aquatic life. You can appreciate these fish’s beauty and charm for many years to come if you take note of their care needs and build a suitable habitat. Without a doubt, having them in your aquarium will make it livelier and more entertaining.
