Can Licorice Gourami live with Sparkling Gourami?
Caution — with care
Why
- Licorice Gourami and Sparkling 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.
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 2–4 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 76–82°F and pH 6–6 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Licorice Gourami | Sparkling Gourami | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–82°F | 76–82°F |
| pH | 4–6 | 6–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 0–4 dGH | 2–12 dGH |
| Adult size | 1.4" | 1.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 10 gal |
Together, plan on at least 10 gallons.
How to make it work
- Use a larger, well-decorated tank with sightline breaks, keep everyone well-fed, and add the calmer fish first.
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser
Where to buy
- Sparkling Gourami: buy at The Shrimp Farm · The Shrimp Farm live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Design the whole tank, not just the stocking
Skapelab plans a complete, buildable planted aquarium around your fish — a hand-illustrated layout, the exact plants and hardscape, a placement map, and a full equipment and shopping list. Free.
Design a tank with Licorice Gourami, Sparkling Gourami →Everything compatible with Licorice Gourami · …with Sparkling Gourami