Parosphromenus sp. cf. bintan (“Licorice Gourami – Bintan Form”)

Imported on October 17, 2025 — shipping begins on October 26, 2025

Important note: these fish are WILD caught, please proceed with caution.

Parosphromenus sp. cf. bintan (“Licorice Gourami – Bintan Form”)

Parosphromenus sp. cf. bintan is an undescribed wild form of Licorice Gourami collected from peat-swamp habitats near the island of Bintan, Indonesia. The “cf.” indicates a population closely resembling Parosphromenus bintan but not yet scientifically described or confirmed as that species. Like others in the genus, it inhabits shallow, shaded forest streams and blackwater swamps rich in tannins and organic debris. Males display deep brown to blackish bodies with iridescent blue-green fin margins, while females are smaller and more subdued. These fish come from extremely soft, acidic water and are among the most delicate and specialized labyrinth fish in the hobby.

Size:
Adults reach approximately 2.5–3.0 cm (≈ 1.0–1.2″) in standard length.

Water parameters:
Extremely soft, acidic blackwater conditions are essential for long-term health.
pH 3.5 – 6.0
GH ≤ 2 °d
KH ≤ 1 °d
TDS < 50 ppm
Temperature 22 – 26 °C (72 – 79 °F)
Provide still or very gentle water movement with abundant leaf litter, driftwood, and floating botanicals under subdued lighting.

Food:
Strictly live-food feeders — these wild-caught Parosphromenus will only accept live food.
Feed a rotation of microworms, vinegar eels, grindal worms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae.
They rarely, if ever, adapt to frozen or dry foods. A consistent live-food culture supply is essential for their care.

Tankmates:
Best kept in a species-only setup or with other tiny, passive blackwater species that thrive in ultra-soft, acidic conditions.
Keep as pairs or trios (1 male with 1–2 females).
Avoid larger or active species — even small rasboras can outcompete them.

Breeding:
A secretive cave spawner. The male guards eggs and fry within a leaf tube, small cave, or other sheltered space.
Provide very soft, acidic water, dried leaves, and fine moss.
Eggs hatch in about 3 days; fry are minuscule and must be fed infusoria or rotifers before transitioning to baby brine shrimp.
Both adults and fry are sensitive to disturbance and water parameter changes.

Important note:
This is an undescribed wild population from the Bintan region — not a commercial strain.
They are wild-caught and live-food-only, requiring highly specialized care.
Stable, mature blackwater conditions and a steady live-food supply are mandatory.
A species for experienced aquarists dedicated to maintaining true Parosphromenus biotopes.