Liquorice Gourami (Parosphromenus phoenicurus)
Liquorice Gourami (Parosphromenus phoenicurus) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Product Refunds & Returns
- Returns can be processed within 14 days from purchase.
- To return products, they must be in original condition
- Shipping expenses are not refundable
- If your items have been damaged in shipping, please contact us within 24 hours of receipt with photos, and we will assist you.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy – Shipped Orders Only
- We guarantee live arrival on all shipped livestock when:
- The package is received on the first delivery attempt.
- Clear photos of the unopened shipping bag and deceased animal are emailed to us within 2 hours of delivery confirmation.
- If these conditions are met, we will provide a replacement or store credit. Shipping charges are non-refundable.
7-Day Livestock Guarantee (Local & Shipped Orders)
- We guarantee our livestock for 7 days from purchase/delivery if our care recommendations and tank requirements were followed.
- Proof Required: We may require photos of the deceased animal, proof of purchase (receipt/order number), and/or a water sample from your tank for testing.
Livestock Refunds, Returns, & Surrenders
- Local customers may return livestock within 72 hours of purchase for a refund, provided the animal is alive and in original condition. Returns must be brought to the store; we do not provide pickup services.
Liquorice Gourami (Parosphromenus phoenicurus)
Liquorice Gourami (Parosphromenus phoenicurus)
Description
Description
Parosphromenus phoenicurus, a species of licorice gourami. These fish are native to the freshwater peat swamps of Southeast Asia. They are known for their vibrant colors, especially the males during breeding season, which display striking hues of red, blue, and green.
Licorice gouramis, including Parosphromenus phoenicurus, require very specific conditions to thrive in captivity. They prefer soft, acidic water and a diet of live foods.
Origin: Borneo (Kalimantan)
Family: Osphronemidae
Adult Size: 2.5–3 cm
Temperament: Peaceful, timid
Difficulty: Advanced
Tank Level: Mid–bottom
Lifespan: ~3–5 years with ideal care
Overview
The Liquorice Gourami, Parosphromenus phoenicurus, is one of the rarest and most sought-after blackwater gouramis. Known for its striking iridescent colours and vibrant red/orange tail, this species is prized by advanced hobbyists who appreciate natural behaviours, soft-water requirements, and species-only setups.
Appearance
- Males display bright iridescent blue/green striping
- Distinct flame-red caudal fin (name “phoenicurus” means fire-tail)
- Females are smaller, rounder, and more subdued in colour
- Colour intensifies significantly during courtship
Behaviour
- Extremely peaceful but shy
- Best kept in a species-only aquarium or with equally delicate microfish
- Males display beautiful courtship dances
- Bubble‑nest / cave‑spawning tendencies typical of Parosphromenus
Tank Requirements
| Requirement | Ideal |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 10–20 gallons for a group |
| Water Type | Soft, acidic blackwater |
| pH | 4.0–6.0 |
| GH | 0–2 dGH |
| KH | Extremely low |
| Temperature | 24–27°C (75–81°F) |
| Flow | Very gentle |
| Lighting | Dimmed |
Aquascaping
- Lots of leaf litter (catappa, beech, oak)
- Peat, botanicals, and tannins
- Fine roots, caves, and shaded areas
- Dark substrate enhances comfort and colour
Diet
Recommended Foods
- Live baby brine shrimp
- Microworms
- Grindal worms
- Daphnia
- Blackworms (small pieces)
- High-quality frozen cyclops or rotifers
Tankmates
Choose very carefully ,they can be easily stressed.
Good options:
- None (species-only is best)
- Very small, calm blackwater fish such as Boraras species (only if tank is large enough)
Avoid:
- Any boisterous or fast-feeding fish
- Shrimp that may outcompete for food
- Larger gouramis or bettas
Breeding
Breeding this species is possible but considered advanced.
Key points:
- Provide small caves (film canisters, mini coconut caves, leaf pockets)
- Male guards eggs
- Keep pH low (4–5.5)
- Use extremely soft water
- Fry take infusoria, then baby brine shrimp
Paros are highly sensitive to water quality; stability is essential.
Specifications
Specifications
-
CategoryGouramis
-
Water pH LevelAcidic, Neutral
-
Habitat PreferencePlanted Tanks, Hiding Spots, Driftwood
-
BehaviourCommunity Fish
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