Harvey's Licorice Gourami

Parosphromenus harveyi is a tiny, jewel-coloured labyrinth fish from the coastal peat swamp forests of Selangor, Malaysia, a habitat that is now severely fragmented. Males in breeding condition display vivid iridescent blue and red colouration. Like all Parosphromenus species, it is highly sensitive to water chemistry and requires very soft, acidic conditions.

Water: temp 22–28°C, pH 3.5–6.0, very soft; use RO or rainwater with peat filtration. Tank: minimum 30L species tank; leaf litter, caves, and dense planting. Feeding: carnivore — live micro-invertebrates preferred; daphnia, nauplii, micro worms. Behaviour: peaceful; males court females with elaborate fin displays. Compatibility: species-only or with micro fish such as Boraras; not compatible with snails.