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.