Fifteen-rayed Licorice Gourami

Parosphromenus quindecim is one of the rarest and least commonly kept Parosphromenus species, described from peat swamp localities in Malaysia. The species epithet refers to its unusually high caudal ray count of 15. Like all members of the genus, it requires very soft, acidic blackwater conditions and is best kept as a species by experienced aquarists.

Water: temp 22–28°C, pH 3.5–6.0, very soft; RO water with peat supplementation. Tank: minimum 30L species-only tank; blackwater setup with leaf litter and hiding spots. Feeding: carnivore — exclusively live micro-foods; daphnia and nauplii essential. Behaviour: peaceful; males display distinctive caudal patterning during courtship. Compatibility: species-only setup essential due to extreme water chemistry needs.