Licorice Gourami ‘Gelam’

Licorice Gourami ‘Gelam’, Parosphromenus sp. ‘Gelam’, is a rare wild labyrinth fish from Indonesia associated with peat-swamp habitats on Sumatra. Like other members of the genus Parosphromenus, it inhabits extremely slow-moving blackwater streams and pools within lowland peat-swamp forest. These environments are heavily shaded and filled with submerged roots, branches, and deep accumulations of decomposing leaf litter. The water is typically darkly stained with tannins, extremely soft, highly acidic, and very low in dissolved minerals.

Adult Licorice Gourami ‘Gelam’ typically reaches only about 1.5 inches in length. The body is slender and elongated with a dark chocolate-brown to nearly black base crossed by lighter cream to golden horizontal bands. Mature males become dramatically more colorful when displaying, darkening through the body while spreading their ornate dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. The fins develop brilliant metallic blue to turquoise-green iridescence contrasted against deep burgundy, reddish-brown, and black areas, creating an intense jewel-like appearance. The exact intensity and arrangement of these colors can vary with mood, lighting, and individual fish. Females are generally more understated, displaying softer brown, beige, and cream tones, although their coloration also changes noticeably during courtship and spawning.

A tank of at least 10 gallons is suitable for a pair or small group, although larger aquariums provide greater water stability and make maintaining multiple territories easier. The aquarium should be heavily structured with driftwood, fine branches, abundant leaf litter, caves, and dense plant cover. Small enclosed caves are particularly important because they provide spawning territories for males. Floating plants help create the dimly lit environment these fish prefer. Water movement should remain extremely gentle, and a tightly fitted lid helps maintain warm, humid air above the water surface.

Water chemistry is particularly important for Licorice Gourami ‘Gelam’. Temperatures between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are appropriate, with extremely soft, acidic water strongly preferred. A pH between approximately 4.0 and 6.0 is ideal, along with very low carbonate hardness and low conductivity. Reverse-osmosis water is often the easiest starting point for recreating these conditions. Leaf litter, peat, seed pods, and other botanicals can be used to introduce tannins and humic substances while recreating the naturally dark blackwater environment. Stability and excellent water quality are more important than attempting to constantly adjust parameters.

Licorice Gourami ‘Gelam’ is a micropredator that naturally feeds on tiny crustaceans, insect larvae, worms, and other minute aquatic invertebrates. Live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, grindal worms, mosquito larvae, and similar small prey are ideal. Frozen foods may also be accepted, particularly after the fish become established, but many wild Parosphromenus are reluctant to recognize dry flakes or pellets as food. Aquarists should be prepared to provide live and frozen foods regularly.

Temperament is peaceful but territorial, particularly among mature males. Parosphromenus are generally poor candidates for conventional community aquariums because their tiny size, deliberate feeding behavior, and specialized water requirements allow more active fish to easily outcompete them. Licorice Gourami ‘Gelam’ is best maintained in a species-focused aquarium or alongside only extremely small, peaceful blackwater species that will not compete aggressively for food. Multiple males can be maintained in larger, densely structured aquariums when enough separate territories are available.

Breeding is possible under appropriate conditions and provides some of the most fascinating behavior seen among small labyrinth fishes. Pairs typically spawn inside tiny caves or other enclosed spaces selected and defended by the male. The male tends the eggs and developing larvae, usually maintaining a small bubble nest within the spawning cavity. After hatching, the larvae remain inside until they become free-swimming. The fry are extremely small and initially require microscopic foods before progressing to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Parosphromenus sp. ‘Gelam’ is an exceptional licorice gourami for aquarists interested in rare and specialized Southeast Asian blackwater fish. Its understated appearance transforms completely during display, when mature males reveal brilliant turquoise-blue iridescence against deep red, burgundy, and black finnage. With extremely soft acidic water, abundant cover, and appropriate foods, the Licorice Gourami ‘Gelam’ rewards careful husbandry with extraordinary coloration and fascinating natural behavior.