Licorice Gourami

The Licorice Gourami is one of the smallest and most beautifully colored labyrinth fish. The male is much more brightly colored than the female, especially during courtship. The male has vertical stripes in black and silver with iridescent turquoise blue and red in the fins and tail. The female is brownish with black edging the fins. Because it can breathe through its gills it will rarely surface for air, unlike other labyrinth fish. The Licorice Gourami makes a great addition to the accomplished hobbyist's tank.

The Licorice Gourami requires a well planted tank of at least 20 gallons or larger. It needs soft, slightly acidic water with good filtration. It is a peaceful, gentle fish but does best in a species only tank. If this fish is housed in a community tank it should not be bred. The other fish in the community tank should be peaceful and shy.

The Licorice Gourami is a cave breeder. After spawning, the male will take care of the nest and chase away the female. The larvae will hatch after 72 hours in water temperatures of 77°F, and will be free-swimming within 6 days. The fry will grow very slowly and should be fed infusoria and brine shrimp. They require very clean, pure water.

The Licorice Gourami is an omnivore and prefers both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.