Deissner's Licorice Gourami
Parosphromenus deissneri
The 'Licorice Gourami' (3 cm). One of the rarest and most specialized fish on the planet, threatened with extinction. Tiny striped labyrinth fish, demands extreme blackwaters and maniacal care. Only for purists dedicated to conservation.
Température de l’eau
24 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
4 - 5.5
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Fond
Taille adulte
3 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 30 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
GH
1 - 5 dGH
KH
1 - 2 dKH
TDS
25 - 95 ppm
Conductivité
39 - 148 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Type species of the Parosphromenus genus, endemic to the peat rivers (Baturusa, etc.) on the Island of Bangka (Indonesia). Severely fragmented and endangered habitat. Lives hidden in slow forest pools and canals, where the water is an extreme mixture of dark humic acids derived from piles of branches and decaying leaves layered on the bottom for meters of thickness. Sunlight almost never reaches the substrate.
Taxonomy and Morphology: An endangered micro-labyrinth fish (Parosphromenus). The entire genus contains dozens of micro species very difficult to identify visually. It has a compressed, very small body (rarely touches 4 cm / 1.5 inches), with a typical elongated ovoid shape. It is a frail and very slow fish, suited only to slip between submarine leaf blades.
Social Behavior: The "Peat Ghost". It has pathological shyness and vulnerability. Spends its days holed up in the dark. When it is calm and the male enters heat, it performs fascinating territorial and nuptial parades: it positions itself upside down and opens its fins like sails to impress females, without ever resorting to lethal violence. It is totally defenseless against any moderately active or enterprising fish.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Ebony and Neon Beauty. In neutral conditions it has a yellowish/straw background color crossed by thick horizontal black stripes (hence "licorice"). But the displaying male is a masterpiece: the stripes on the body darken to ink black, and the wide rounded fins show off a magnificent RED BROWN iridescent marginal band bordered internally and externally by a thin flashing metallic neon BLUE/GREEN line. Females are dull, sandy and show only the phobic camouflaged dark longitudinal bands.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Verified source data: Parosphromenus deissneri is freshwater, benthopelagic and tropical; FishBase reports pH 5.6–7.2 and 24–28 °C. It inhabits slow flowing creeks among vegetation, and the male protects eggs inside caves.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Type species of the Parosphromenus genus, endemic to the peat rivers (Baturusa, etc.) on the Island of Bangka (Indonesia). Severely fragmented and endangered habitat. Lives hidden in slow forest pools and canals, where the water is an extreme mixture of dark humic acids derived from piles of branches and decaying leaves layered on the bottom for meters of thickness. Sunlight almost never reaches the substrate.
Origine
Amérique du NordAsie du Sud et du Sud-EstAsie de l'Est
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- The temperament of Parosphromenus deissneri is largely peaceful, especially towards tank mates. While they mind their own business mostly, they may become defensive during specific periods. Providing visual barriers and adequate space mitigates most behavioral issues.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- Parosphromenus deissneri is primarily carnivorous and enjoys a diverse diet. In captivity, they eagerly accept high-quality prepared foods, and appropriate frozen or live foods. Providing a varied menu ensures they receive all necessary nutrients for vibrant colors and health.
- Espérance de vie
- 3-5 years
- Taille adulte
- 3 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Specific M:F ratio
- Maintaining a proper sex ratio of one male to several females is advisable for this species. Males tend to be visually distinct from females in certain aspects, making sexing possible in mature specimens. In breeding setups, close monitoring is essential to prevent excessive harassment.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- It is recommended to feed Parosphromenus deissneri moderate portions once a day. Only offer an amount they can completely consume within a few minutes to prevent water fouling. Occasional fasting days can also be beneficial for their digestive system.
- Charge biologique
- Low
- The bioload produced by Parosphromenus deissneri is low due to their small size and metabolic rate. They require robust filtration to keep water parameters stable and pristine. Regular water changes are highly recommended to ensure their optimal health.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- This fish prefers slow water currents that mimic its natural habitat. Proper water flow is crucial for maintaining adequate oxygenation levels. Position filter outlets or powerheads carefully to provide both flowing and calmer resting areas.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- Parosphromenus deissneri poses a low risk of jumping from the aquarium if startled. It is strictly advised to keep a secure, tight-fitting lid on the enclosure at all times. Extra care should be exercised during tank maintenance to prevent unexpected escapes.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Parosphromenus deissneri in captivity is challenging and requires specific water parameters. They are bubble nest spawners and often exhibit fascinating courtship behaviors. Providing ample suitable structures will significantly increase the survival rate of the fry.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- With caution
- This species is generally peaceful and makes a specific addition to a home aquarium. They can be housed with other compatible species that occupy different water levels. Caution should be taken when selecting tank mates to avoid any conflicts.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Bottom
- These fish predominantly occupy the middle and bottom levels of the aquarium. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and often interact with the tank decor. Ensuring sufficient space in their preferred zone is absolutely important for their well-being.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3,2 ± 0,4 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.00389, b = 3.12
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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