Red-Finned Licorice Gourami
The Red-finned Licorice Gourami, scientifically known as Parosphromenus rubrimontis, is a small, rare labyrinth fish native to the peat swamp forests of Bukit Merah in Peninsular Malaysia. It inhabits shallow blackwater pools and slow-flowing streams rich in tannins, where the water is soft, highly acidic, and often stained dark by decomposing leaf litter. This species is part of the licorice gourami group, known for their vivid coloration, secretive behavior, and complex courtship displays.
Physically, Parosphromenus rubrimontis is sexually dimorphic and typically grows to just over 1 inch (2.5–2.8 cm) in length. Males display dramatic coloration, with dark bodies, reflective bluish lines in the fins, and bold red outer margins on the caudal and anal fins. The pelvic fins are black with iridescent blue at the base. Females are more muted in tone, usually brownish-gray with shorter, less colorful fins.
In the aquarium, this species requires conditions that closely mimic its natural habitat. A heavily planted tank with leaf litter, fine roots, and floating plants is ideal. Gentle filtration is essential, with little to no current. A dark substrate and subdued lighting will help reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. This species is best kept in a quiet, species-dedicated tank due to its sensitivity and shyness.
Water parameters should be maintained within a narrow range: temperatures between 74 and 82°F (23–28°C), pH between 3.5 and 5.5, and extremely soft water. These conditions are critical for long-term health and successful breeding.
Feeding should focus on small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, baby brine shrimp, and grindal worms. They may ignore dry food entirely, so regular access to high-quality live fare is important for maintaining health and coloration.
Breeding Parosphromenus rubrimontis involves cave spawning. The male courts the female with shimmering displays, leading her to a small hiding place where he constructs a bubble nest. After spawning, the male guards the eggs and fry until they are free-swimming, at which point both parents should be monitored, as some pairs may consume the young.
Overall, Parosphromenus rubrimontis is a captivating, peaceful species best suited to advanced aquarists willing to provide the specialized care it needs. Its rarity, beauty, and fascinating behavior make it a highly rewarding fish for those dedicated to maintaining proper blackwater conditions.
The Red-finned Licorice Gourami, scientifically known as Parosphromenus rubrimontis, is a small, rare labyrinth fish native to the peat swamp forests of Bukit Merah in Peninsular Malaysia. It inhabits shallow blackwater pools and slow-flowing streams rich in tannins, where the water is soft, highly acidic, and often stained dark by decomposing leaf litter. This species is part of the licorice gourami group, known for their vivid coloration, secretive behavior, and complex courtship displays.
Physically, Parosphromenus rubrimontis is sexually dimorphic and typically grows to just over 1 inch (2.5–2.8 cm) in length. Males display dramatic coloration, with dark bodies, reflective bluish lines in the fins, and bold red outer margins on the caudal and anal fins. The pelvic fins are black with iridescent blue at the base. Females are more muted in tone, usually brownish-gray with shorter, less colorful fins.
In the aquarium, this species requires conditions that closely mimic its natural habitat. A heavily planted tank with leaf litter, fine roots, and floating plants is ideal. Gentle filtration is essential, with little to no current. A dark substrate and subdued lighting will help reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. This species is best kept in a quiet, species-dedicated tank due to its sensitivity and shyness.
Water parameters should be maintained within a narrow range: temperatures between 74 and 82°F (23–28°C), pH between 3.5 and 5.5, and extremely soft water. These conditions are critical for long-term health and successful breeding.
Feeding should focus on small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, baby brine shrimp, and grindal worms. They may ignore dry food entirely, so regular access to high-quality live fare is important for maintaining health and coloration.
Breeding Parosphromenus rubrimontis involves cave spawning. The male courts the female with shimmering displays, leading her to a small hiding place where he constructs a bubble nest. After spawning, the male guards the eggs and fry until they are free-swimming, at which point both parents should be monitored, as some pairs may consume the young.
Overall, Parosphromenus rubrimontis is a captivating, peaceful species best suited to advanced aquarists willing to provide the specialized care it needs. Its rarity, beauty, and fascinating behavior make it a highly rewarding fish for those dedicated to maintaining proper blackwater conditions.
The Red-finned Licorice Gourami, scientifically known as Parosphromenus rubrimontis, is a small, rare labyrinth fish native to the peat swamp forests of Bukit Merah in Peninsular Malaysia. It inhabits shallow blackwater pools and slow-flowing streams rich in tannins, where the water is soft, highly acidic, and often stained dark by decomposing leaf litter. This species is part of the licorice gourami group, known for their vivid coloration, secretive behavior, and complex courtship displays.
Physically, Parosphromenus rubrimontis is sexually dimorphic and typically grows to just over 1 inch (2.5–2.8 cm) in length. Males display dramatic coloration, with dark bodies, reflective bluish lines in the fins, and bold red outer margins on the caudal and anal fins. The pelvic fins are black with iridescent blue at the base. Females are more muted in tone, usually brownish-gray with shorter, less colorful fins.
In the aquarium, this species requires conditions that closely mimic its natural habitat. A heavily planted tank with leaf litter, fine roots, and floating plants is ideal. Gentle filtration is essential, with little to no current. A dark substrate and subdued lighting will help reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. This species is best kept in a quiet, species-dedicated tank due to its sensitivity and shyness.
Water parameters should be maintained within a narrow range: temperatures between 74 and 82°F (23–28°C), pH between 3.5 and 5.5, and extremely soft water. These conditions are critical for long-term health and successful breeding.
Feeding should focus on small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, baby brine shrimp, and grindal worms. They may ignore dry food entirely, so regular access to high-quality live fare is important for maintaining health and coloration.
Breeding Parosphromenus rubrimontis involves cave spawning. The male courts the female with shimmering displays, leading her to a small hiding place where he constructs a bubble nest. After spawning, the male guards the eggs and fry until they are free-swimming, at which point both parents should be monitored, as some pairs may consume the young.
Overall, Parosphromenus rubrimontis is a captivating, peaceful species best suited to advanced aquarists willing to provide the specialized care it needs. Its rarity, beauty, and fascinating behavior make it a highly rewarding fish for those dedicated to maintaining proper blackwater conditions.
