Allan's Licorice Gourami

Parosphromenus allani is a miniature labyrinth fish endemic to peat swamp habitats in Malaysia, where it lives in extremely soft, acidic, tannin-stained water. Males display spectacular blue and red colouration when breeding. It is a conservation-critical species due to rapid peat swamp destruction and requires specialised blackwater aquarium conditions.

Water: temp 22–28°C, pH 3.5–6.0, very soft blackwater; add peat or catappa leaves. Tank: minimum 30L species tank; heavy planting, leaf litter, and dark substrate. Feeding: carnivore — live micro-invertebrates (daphnia, artemia nauplii, micro worms) essential. Behaviour: peaceful; males display and defend small spawning territories. Compatibility: species-only or with very small, gentle blackwater fish such as boraras.