Can Licorice Gourami live with Pearl Gourami?
Caution — with care
Why
- No overlapping water hardness: Licorice Gourami wants 0–4 dGH but Pearl Gourami wants 5–15 dGH.
- Licorice Gourami and Pearl Gourami are both labyrinth fish — they claim the same surface territory and will fight, especially between males.
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 6–6.
- Large size gap (Pearl Gourami 4.5" vs Licorice Gourami 1.4") — watch that the smaller one gets its share at feeding time.
Sweet spot: both do well at 77–82°F and pH 6–6 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Licorice Gourami | Pearl Gourami | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–82°F | 77–82°F |
| pH | 4–6 | 6–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 0–4 dGH | 5–15 dGH |
| Adult size | 1.4" | 4.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 30 gal |
Together, plan on at least 30 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Use a larger, well-decorated tank with sightline breaks, keep everyone well-fed, and add the calmer fish first.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser
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Design a tank with Licorice Gourami, Pearl Gourami →Everything compatible with Licorice Gourami · …with Pearl Gourami