Spiketail gourami

Spiketail gourami key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

About 4-4.5 cm TL (FishBase; The Parosphromenus Project)

Temperature

21〜28℃

Diet

Carnivore (small live and frozen foods)

Water Temperature & Quality

21-28°C (FishBase). The Parosphromenus Project describes it as one of the least demanding species in the genus.

Aquarium

Suits a small tank. Provide small caves (clay tubes), leaf litter and plants under dim light, with a lid to prevent jumping.

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Small and shy, it is best kept in a species tank where it does not compete for food.

Diet & Feeding

Offer small live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, Daphnia and small bloodworm.

Breeding & Egg-laying

The male carries air repeatedly to build a large foam nest inside a cave and courts head-down. Usually 50-70 eggs, up to about 200.

Health & Cautions

Seriously threatened by habitat loss in the wild; captive-bred fish are the better choice.

About Spiketail gourami

The Spiketail gourami is a 4 to 4.5 cm licorice gourami from southeastern Borneo. Males have a filament-tipped tail and build bubble nests on cave ceilings. Suited to intermediate keepers; read this before bringing one home.

7 things to know before welcoming a Spiketail gourami

1. 1A Tiny Fish of 4 to 4.5 cm

   Adults reach only about 4 to 4.5 cm in total length, so they are quiet residents of any tank. Their small size also makes them sensitive to strong currents and sudden water changes, so prepare a calm, stable setup before bringing them home.

2. 2Why It Suits Intermediate Keepers

   This species is rated for intermediate keepers. Water quality and feeding both need attention, so it is easier to succeed once you are comfortable setting up a tank and managing water.

3. 3Relatively Undemanding Water Needs

   Within the licorice gourami genus, this species is considered not to need any special water conditions, and it is recommended for people keeping licorice gouramis for the first time. Aim for 21–28°C. Driftwood, leaf litter and subdued lighting help create a dim, calm layout where they feel secure.

4. 4Provide Cave-Like Shelters

   This species breeds by building a large bubble nest on a cave ceiling. Adding shelters with a roof, such as a small tube or a clay cave, gives the fish a secure place to settle and lets you watch the nest-building.

5. 5Choose Calm Tank Mates

   Being small and reserved, they can lose out at feeding time or become stressed around active or large fish. If you keep tank mates, stick to small, slow-moving species.

6. 6Offer Small, Moving Foods

   With such a small mouth, they often prefer tiny frozen or live foods. Some individuals may not be used to dry food, so check what a fish is eating before you bring it home.

7. 7Acclimate Slowly

   Fish are prone to stress after transport, so acclimate them slowly, for example by drip acclimation. After introduction, keep the lighting low and watch for faded color, refusal to eat, or lethargy, and review water quality and the setup if you see any of these.

Frequently asked questions about Spiketail gourami

Q.Can a beginner keep this fish?

A.This species is rated for intermediate keepers. Because it needs attention to water quality and feeding, it is best to gain some tank-keeping experience first.

Q.How long does it live?

A.Reliable information on lifespan is limited, so no clear figure can be given. Stable water quality, suitable food and a calm environment matter most for keeping it healthy over the long term.

Q.Can I tell males from females?

A.Males have a tail whose center stretches into a long filament, with a black edge and a thin bluish-white rim, which is a useful clue. It can be harder to judge in fish that are still growing, so check the listing details and look at the individual carefully.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Adults reach about 4 to 4.5 cm in total length (FishBase, Parosphromenus Project). Although small, it is sensitive to water changes, so a tank with a comfortable water volume is easier to keep stable.

Q.Can I breed it?

A.It breeds by building a large bubble nest on the ceiling of a cave. Providing a covered shelter and a calm environment is the place to start, though success is not guaranteed.

Useful tools for Spiketail gourami care

Learn more about Spiketail gourami in the encyclopedia

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