All fish / Osphronemidae

Harvey's Licorice Gourami

Parosphromenus harveyi

Also known as harvey's liquorice gourami, harveyi licorice gourami, licorice gourami, liquorice gourami, parosphromenus harveyi, sepilai, パロスフロメヌス・ハーベイ, 哈维小丽丽, 哈维巧克力娃娃

A tiny, slender gourami with brown and dark horizontal bands, and males show red, blue and black edged fins when displaying. It is kept by enthusiasts of blackwater biotopes and endangered peat swamp fishes.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

4 to 6

Smallest tank

30 litres

Keep as

A pair or small group in a species tank

Diet

Carnivore: small live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, grindal worms and brine shrimp nauplii; frozen foods may be taken

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Peninsular Malaysia (Selangor peat swamps)

Breeding

Males build small bubble nests under leaves or inside caves and guard the eggs and fry. Breeding is achievable in very soft, acidic, quiet water but fry are tiny and need infusoria.

Good to know

Classed as critically endangered due to peat swamp loss, so only buy captive bred stock. It needs very soft, acidic water and should not be mixed with boisterous fish.