Parosphromenus Quindecim

Important note: This species is wild-caught and originates from critically threatened peat-swamp habitats. Careful acclimation and species preservation practices are strongly encouraged.

Parosphromenus quindecim (“Quindecim Licorice Gourami”)

Parosphromenus quindecim is a rare and highly specialized licorice gourami native to peat-swamp forests of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. It inhabits extremely soft, acidic blackwater pools and slow forest streams thick with leaf litter, submerged roots, and dense overhead canopy. The water in its natural habitat is dark tea-colored from heavy tannins, mineral-poor, and often stagnant. Males are striking, displaying dark chocolate to black bodies with iridescent turquoise-blue striping and vivid banding in the fins during display. Females are smaller and more subdued in brown tones but develop subtle patterning when conditioned. Like all Parosphromenus, this species is delicate, habitat-specific, and best suited for experienced blackwater aquarists.

Size: Adults reach approximately 3–3.5 cm (≈ 1.2–1.4″) total length.

Water parameters: Requires true peat-swamp blackwater conditions for long-term success. pH 3.5 – 5.5; GH ≤ 1–2 °d; KH ≤ 1 °d; TDS < 50–80 ppm. Maintain very gentle or near-still water flow. Provide heavy leaf litter, driftwood, botanicals, caves, and subdued lighting to replicate natural conditions. Stability is essential.

Temperature: 23 – 27 °C (73 – 81 °F) with minimal fluctuation.

Food: Micro-predatory carnivore. Requires small live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, grindal worms, and mosquito larvae. Most specimens do not readily accept dry foods; live feeding is strongly recommended for conditioning and breeding.

Important note: Parosphromenus quindecim is extremely sensitive to mineral content and sudden parameter shifts. Standard community aquariums with neutral or alkaline water will lead to chronic stress and early mortality. Maintain strict blackwater conditions, low light, and minimal disturbance. Due to rapid peatland destruction from logging and oil palm expansion, this species is increasingly rare in the wild — locality purity and responsible breeding are strongly encouraged.

Tankmates: Best maintained in a species-only setup as a single pair. If attempting companions, only very small, peaceful blackwater species such as Boraras may be considered, and only in a heavily structured, low-competition environment. Avoid boisterous, bright, or larger fish.