Parosphromenus Tweediei

Datasheet

General Description

The Parosphromenus Tweediei, commonly known as the liquorice gourami or Paros, is a species within the Perciformes order. These small labyrinth fishes are recognized for their striking coloration, with males distinguished by their unique color patterns and the presence of specific fin rays. They are predominantly micropredators, feeding on tiny aquatic invertebrates, and are often referred to as delicate species due to their care requirements and conservation status.

Aquarium Setup

Maintaining Parosphromenus Tweediei in an aquarium involves a well-decorated setup with driftwood, roots, and branches creating shaded areas. Various structures like clay plant pots, lengths of piping, or plastic containers can offer shelter and potential spawning sites. Dried leaf litter can be added for a natural feel, providing cover for the fish and serving as a secondary food source for fry. These fish thrive under dim lighting conditions and do well with aquatic plants such as Microsorum, Taxiphyllum, or Cryptocoryne species. Filtration should be gentle, typically using an air-powered sponge filter, with regular water changes ensuring water quality remains stable. Soft water with low hardness is essential, often necessitating the use of a method to obtain such water and potentially acidifying it if needed.

Behaviour

Parosphromenus Tweediei should ideally be maintained alone or with small, peaceful cyprinids due to their care needs and disposition. Hybridization should be avoided by not keeping different Parosphromenus species together, as distinguishing females can be challenging. While maintaining a mixed-sex group is possible, breeders often prefer sexed pairs to prevent fry survival issues caused by other adults.

Feeding and Diet

In the aquarium, these fish require a diet consisting mainly of small live foods such as Artemia nauplii, Daphnia, Moina, and mosquito larvae. While frozen foods are sometimes accepted, most dried products are typically refused. Providing a variety of live foods ensures proper nutrition and mimics their natural predatory behavior.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Parosphromenus Tweediei typically spawn in small caves among leaf litter, with males showing elaborate nuptial displays to attract females. After successful spawning, males care for the eggs and fry. Dimorphic features include males possessing vibrant coloration with distinctive fin patterns, while females are less colorful. Both sexes can alter their coloration based on mood, becoming darker when agitated.

Habitat and Distribution

This species is native to freshwater swamps and blackwater streams in southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. P. Tweediei specifically is limited to select locations in western Johor state, with its range contracting due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and human activities, putting it at risk of extinction. The natural habitats of these fish feature dark, acidic water with minimal lighting and abundant decaying organic material.