Approx Max Length : 3cm

Bintan Licorice Gourami - Parosphromenus bintan Fish Profile & Care Guide

The Bintan Licorice Gourami (Parosphromenus bintan) is a distinguished member of the labyrinth fish family, celebrated for its elegant and petite stature. This species is particularly noted for its peaceful and shy demeanour, a trait that reassures aquarists about its exceptional compatibility with similar-sized, gentle-mannered fish or its own species in shared habitats. Native to Indonesia in Southeast Asia, its subtle beauty and serene nature render it a prized addition to the tranquil community aquarium, appealing to aquarists who cherish harmony and understated elegance in their aquatic setups.

A mixed-sex group of these fish can be maintained if desired, though many breeders opt to keep them in sexed pairs. This approach is favoured because, while some fry may survive in the presence of their parents, their chances diminish significantly when other adults are in the tank. Optimal housing for Bintan Licorice Gouramis includes pairing or grouping them with other small, peaceful fish that also prefer soft, acidic water conditions. Suitable tankmates include small Cyprinids such as Boraras, Dwarf Barbs, Kuhli Loaches, and Micro Rasboras.

As a rare and sought-after species, the Bintan Licorice Gourami requires a biologically stable aquarium before introduction. This responsibility underscores the need for aquarists to prepare a conducive environment, which includes incorporating abundant hiding spaces with structures such as bogwood, rocky caves, and dense plantations, including floating vegetation to moderate light levels. A dark substrate and background will not only enhance their vibrant colouration but also boost their confidence. Gentle water flow combined with effective filtration is essential.

Incorporating peat in the filtration system can emulate their natural aquatic conditions, enhancing their health and vitality. Peat helps to lower the pH and soften the water, which is beneficial for the Bintan Licorice Gourami. Additionally, introducing leaf litter can augment the tank's naturalistic setting. Leaf litter provides a natural food source for the fish and creates a more natural environment, reducing stress and promoting natural behaviours. Maintaining stringent water quality is imperative, as Licorice Gouramis are sensitive to high nitrates and fluctuations in water parameters. Frequent, small-scale water changes are recommended to sustain ideal water conditions.

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Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism in Bintan Licorice Gouramis is distinctly marked, allowing for straightforward identification of males and females. In males, the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are distinguished by a delicate margin of whitish to bluish hue, underscored by a black subdistal band that is itself bordered by an iridescent bluish or bluish-green band. The proximal sections of these fins are predominantly black, with the posterior lower edge of the dorsal fin occasionally featuring a small, iridescent bluish or greenish patch. The pelvic fins of the males are noted for their iridescent green or blue colouration with white filamentous tips, whereas the pectoral fins are transparent.

During the breeding season, males of the Bintan Licorice Gourami species display a notably more vibrant colour pattern, a sight that will surely excite aquarists. Conversely, females present a much less vivid appearance, generally lacking the colourful bands found in the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins of their male counterparts. Breeding females typically exhibit a muted beige colouration and lose most of their distinctive markings, although both nuptial males and females display a prominent oblique dark bar across the eye. Additionally, both sexes possess the ability to alter their colouration rapidly in response to mood changes; they typically darken significantly when displaying aggression.

Quick Facts

Scientific Name	Parosphromenus bintan
Year Described	1998
Kingdom	Animalia
Classification	Actinopterygii
Order	Anabantiformes
Family	Osphronemidae
Genus	Parosphromenus
Origins	Indonesia
Approx Max Size	3 cm
Temperament	Peaceful
Aquarium Level	Middle - Top
Difficulty	Intermediate
Shoaling	NA
Best kept as	Pairs
Diet & Feeding	Omnivore
Reproduction	Cave Spawner
Average Lifespan	Up to 5 Years

Water Parameters

Water Type	Freshwater
pH	3.0 - 6.5
GH	2 - 10
TDS	18 - 72

Ideal Temperature Range
℉	72 - 82
℃	22 - 28

Natural Habitat

The Bintan Licorice Gourami originates from the Riau Archipelago province on Bintan Island and the island of Bangka in the Bangka-Belitung province of Indonesia, Southeast Asia. These Gouramis are typically found in peat swamp forests and the adjoining blackwater streams, which are characterized by dense riparian vegetation. However, due to extensive habitat alteration, the Bintan Licorice Gourami is increasingly confined to surviving in fragmented remnants of these ecosystems, such as irrigation ditches and roadside canals, where original habitat conditions have been heavily modified.

Breeding

Bintan Licorice Gouramis are cave-spawning fish that necessitate a dedicated breeding tank equipped with Java moss or artificial caves, such as pipes, to create optimal reproduction conditions. Males typically establish a territory containing a natural enclosure, such as beneath stones or leaves, where they may or may not construct a bubble nest for spawning. Once released, both the male and female affix the eggs to the ceiling.

Post-spawning, the male assumes the role of guardian, diligently protecting the eggs and subsequent offspring, while the female, who may pose a risk to the fry due to predation, is typically removed from the tank shortly after her role in spawning concludes. The eggs generally hatch within 24 to 36 hours, and the fry begins to move within 4 to 6 days, achieving free-swimming status approximately 3 to 4 days thereafter.

Maintaining immaculate water conditions is essential for the fry to reach their developmental potential, often necessitating daily changes. In an aquarium devoid of other fish species, the fry can safely coexist with the parents. Initially, the fry's diet should include infusoria or a similar substitute, progressing to microworms or brine shrimp within a few days to support their growth.

Diet & Feeding

The Bintan Licorice Gouramis exhibit specific feeding preferences. They are primarily carnivorous and thrive on a diet rich in live and frozen foods that mirror their natural dietary intake. In their native habitats, these fish predominantly feed on small insects, larvae, and micro-crustaceans. To ensure optimal health and vitality in captivity, it is essential to provide them with a variety of high-quality, nutrient-dense food options such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.

These should be supplemented with finely ground flake foods or micro pellets to ensure a balanced diet. Regular feeding of live foods meets their nutritional needs but also encourages natural foraging behaviours, which are crucial for their psychological well-being. Consistent with their natural habits, these gouramis prefer to feed at the water surface or within the water column rather than at the bottom of the aquarium.