FAAS Publication Awards Form
Author Helene Schoubye
Society (NO Abbreviations) Tampa Bay Aquarium Society
Category 11 Age (Junior Only)
Date of Publication December 2013
Title of Publication (NO Abbreviations) The Filter
Title of Article LICORICE GOURAMIS -- A little labyrinth fish
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LICORICE GOURAMIS A little labyrinth fish Article: Helene Schoubye Photos: Helene Schoubye, Oliver Perrin and Johnny Jensen, AkvarieFoto.dk The text and images in this article are copyrighted and are reprinted with specific authorization of the authors
The European’s refer to this little fish as licorice gurami – prachtgurami (german) in North America we refer to these fish as Licorice Gouramis or in short form as “Paros”.The Latin name is Parosphromenus – a small anabantoid derived from blackwater biotopes / peat swamps and forest areas in Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia. Some of these areas are unfortunately now quite environ- mentally threatened. The Licorice Gourami belongs to the family Ospronemidae and the genus Par- osphromenus. They are just about 5 cm in length (less than 2”). For most species, there is a differ- ence between males and females. Females are usually black and white in stripes , while the male, which normally also has the same coloration but stronger colors – bands of colors – in all fins and has a more intense black color. There are 20 described species and many variations, far more than have been discovered or described we suspect. The variations may be very small differences in colors, markings that almost seem insignificant – and it can’t be said for sure if it’s variations of the same spe- cies, or two different species. Some species are clearly different and easy to recognize. We also do not know yet whether the different species cross with each other, thereby creating these Small differ- ences, - this can actually only be determined through examining the fish genes through genetic DNA testing. To Table of Contents pdf
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Parosphromenus parvulus photo: Helene Schoubye
Parosphromenus parvulus pair photo: Helene Schoubye
The Licorice Gourami was first described in 1859 by Bleeker, as a provisional assignment based on a single specimen (a female). This species was designated P. deissneri. It was only in the 1950’s and forward, that there arose a particular interest in these tiny fishes, and it was discovered that there was not only one species, but many species in this genus. Through the IGL and among private collectors and hobbyists a huge amount of discovery has been accomplished, both in terms of descriptions of species and understanding of the needs of these species in general.
In Nature and in the Aquarium
Habitat The Licorice gourami is found in areas of the island of Borneo and throughout Malaysia and Indonesia. They live in small creeks and larger areas of slow flowing waters in a nature dominated by large areas of rainforest and peat swamps. The water is very acidic, down to pH 3.5 and very very soft. There is a high content of humin substances through fallen leaves. These water values has been created over thousands of years, which again means that the small organism which inhabit these wa- ters have adapted and specialized over many thousand years as well . . . they have adapted to these surroundings and depend on this environment. Other fish that live in these waters are small boraras species, Chocolate Gouramis and Betta coccina e.g. the small red bettas, Betta brownorum etc. The Licorice Gourami mostly live at the edges of the water bodies, about a meter down, it is not a schooling fish, but will be found in larger “‘schools” in certain areas. In recent years the natural habitats in these areas has undergone massive change To Table of Contents pdf
-6- TBAS December 2013 ...... - partly because of population growth – partly because of an expanding exploitation of the land for industrial purposes. The production of palm oil is one of the biggest industrial developments which are influencing the natural habitat of the licorice gourami. These regions are the same area which are inhabited by other threatened animal species, one of these, and possibly most know is the orangutan. But the species of Parosphromenus often lives closer to the sea, and closer to inhabited and lower lying areas, which may mean that they are even more threatened than animal living in very remote mountain areas. It is a fact that for some species the original biotope, in which they have been found, already has been so influenced and disturbed that some species could already have disappeared.
Parosphromenus alfredi spawning pair Photo: Oliver Perrin.
Parosphromenus species In January 2013, the two species most recently identified were described, so currently there are 20 described species. Today most of these species are found in private aquarists collections. However, here in the U.S. some of these species are beginning to appear in local aquarium shops and on internet stores as well as Aquabid. Some of the species continue to be very rare. Here is a small sampling of some of the more known species: Parosphromenus cf. linkei
Parosphromenus cf. linkei Photo: AkvarieFoto.dk
Parosphromenus linkei: One of the most commonly found species and is occasionally found in the trade or from domestic breeders. It comes from areas around Kalimantan on Borneo. The areas from which P. Linkei is derived from however are presently largely destroyed. The P. linkei male and female have the same markings; the male though, has a longer tail and dorsal fin and more striking colors. The markings are characterized by a pattern in all the fins of very fine flagrant, a turquoise seam surrounds all the fins and two blue spots on each side of the body. The tail fin has a spear shape. It is one of the most beautiful species and one of the most robust species; and could therefore To Table of Contents pdf
-7- be seen as a species suitable for beginners in the field. Parosphromenus harveyi
Parosphromenus harveyi Photo: Helene Schoubye
Parosphromenus harveyi: this species, originally from Western Malaysia, is very threatened in the original habitat. This species has, for some time, been on IUCH’s Red List (endangered species). It is characterized by a highly brilliant blue turquoise ribbon in the tail, pectoral as well as the dorsal and ventral fins. In the tail fin the space between blue band and the rim of the fin is quite wide; this is different from some other species, such as P. bintan. However it can easily be confused with other species such as P. bintan and several others yet to be described species. This species is extremely rare in the trade, but is found in some private breeder collection mainly in Europe. P. nagyi
Parosphromenus nagyi Photo: Helene Schoubye
Parosphromenus nagyi: Is found in regions of West Malaysia, down along the coast. It differs from other species in that the male (dominant adult males) body color is brown (no stripes) with either white or blue ribbon in the tail or back and unpaired fins. While readily available in Europe, in late 2013 this species began to appear in the trade in North America in limited numbers. For further information on these species, as well as the other species, reference can be made to www.parosphromenus-project.org where you will find more detailed descriptions of all 20 species.
Source of Information: Peter Finke, http://www.parosphromenus-project.org --- Parosphromenus species
To Table of Contents pdf
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Parosphromenus parvulus - male entering his cave -- Photo: Helene Schoubye The mating and courtship process is an exciting and fascinating event to observe if you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do so. However, if you have a harmonious pair in a small aquarium, this can be a relatively easy event to observe. The male “dances” in front the female while he is spreading his fins completely extended. He pushes her side to lure her into his chosen cave which can be a small tube, catfish cave, a photo- container or under a piece of wood, or under a leave. The female responds with displaying a darker brown / yellowish color, losing her stripes and often with “sexy eyes” – eyes change so that you can see a vertical dark “beam” down the eye, which exhibits a highly specific expression. This is seen both in males and females. Most Paro species per- form the ritual with the nose in the downward position, but a few species stand vertically with its tail downward. The Licorice Gourami is a labyrinth fish, and as such, has a fully developed labyrinth or- gan - but this air breathing ability is mainly used only during the construction of foam or bubble nests prior to the spawning ritual. These nests are rarely if ever constructed at the surface - but in small caves, cavities in the roots, or on the underside of a large leaf.
Parosphromenus nagyi pair Parosphromenus alfredi Photo: Helene Schoubye Photo: Oliver Perrin The spawning ritual of the male and female of these species is similar to that of other labyrinth fish and Bettas. The female produces eggs which are fertilized and then collected by both fish and placed in the nest. The male guards the eggs from that point and hatching occurs after approximately 2-3 days. The male continues to care for eggs and the nest while the fry develop into free-swimming larvae. This takes between 1 and 2 weeks to occur. To Table of Contents pdf
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Parosphromenus linkei Photos AkvarieFoto.dk with eggs
The fry are tiny and should be fed from the start with infusoria, micro-worms or baby brine shrimp The Licorice Gouramis are very willing breeders, and a healthy and harmonious pair will often have repetitive bubble nests. The fry will often be pursued by parents after they have left the cave. Survival rates are often quite high even in small tanks.
Young Parosphromenus anjunganensis approximately 1 month old The fry is only 1 cm long. Photo: © Helene Schoubye
In the Aquarium Preserving Licorice Gouramis in the aquarium is not without problems, and therefore it has probably remained quite unknown to most hobbyists. It is a “quiet” fish, which does not show off a lot and may not be noticed except by the excited “aquatic specialist” who loves to keep tiny fishes in small dark tanks, and who have the patience to sit still for long times – perhaps with a flash light look- ing for his fish. Should you be the proud owner of a small collection of these fish, you will have lots of oppor- tunity to enjoy the fish, - but it must be said that it is not a fish that is suited for ordinary “show-tanks” with a lot of light, high tech gadgets and colors.
Water These species thrive and breed only in water which is very acidic (pH 3.5 to 6) and extremely soft (connectivity close to 0 as possible). For many hobbyists this sounds impossible, but it can be done. Most often a Reverse Osmosis unit is required along with the use of different means to lower pH even more. Rainwater can also be utilized effectively provided that the air quality is reasonable in your local community and does not contaminate the rainfall. To Table of Contents pdf
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Plants Planting is limited by the acidic soft water, and the little lightning - but plants like Java moss, Java fern, Ceratoperis, or Salvina natans can easily be used in these aquariums. Lighting should be used sparingly –the use of a strip of LED lighting is sufficient. Some hob- byists recommend feeding of limited amounts of selected frozen foods. However, the preference is always for live foods such as brine shrimp nauplii, small mosquito larvae or Daphnia. Temperature Room temperature between 72-75F (22-24C) degrees is ideal. Filtration It is not necessary, but a slow bubbling filter can be good in slightly larger aquariums. Aquarium A pair can go well in a 3 gallon (12 liter) tank, even along with a few juveniles. Other tank sizes can also be utilized. Frequently these species are kept in pairs, for breeding purposes. In the wild these fish are increasing becoming critically endangered; it is therefore of great importance to each species being kept in the hobby be well maintained. For this reason pairs, in small tanks, with the intension active breeding is often preferred and encouraged. But in the wild the fish will live alongside many of its own kind, as well as other fish, such as small broraras and bettas, - and it is possible to also have these in tanks as large as 10-15 gallons. In these tanks though, fry will most likely not survive. Coastal meets on the 1st Wednesday of every month on the campus of New College in Sarasota Florida . . . come and spend an evening with us! http://coastalaquariumsociety.com You won’t be sorry you came! Directions are on the website.
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THE SERIOUS THREAT TO PAROSPHROMENUS SPECIES IN THEIR NATURAL HABITATS
The different “Paro” species are found only in small areas - the red dot on the map shows P. harveyi’s natural habitat. This species is found in no other place. The natural environment in the area around Selangor is already quite destroyed which may be why P. harveyi now can be found on the IUCH’s Red List of endangered species. The same is true for the other species, each of which can be found in smaller or greater ar- eas - a few species have a larger distribution area, but many are only found in very small locales. In Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia one of the major problems is that large areas of rain forest, peat swamp forests are being developed for and used to construct huge palm oil plantations. Often it is the large multinationals companies and not the indigenous population who benefits from this use of the land and after ten years of use, the soil becomes devoid of nutrients, and left worthless. Restor- ing the natural environment is not possible, as this takes thousands years to create the same delicate balances of the natural biotope, and often large amounts of fertilizer will have affected the ground. The problems in these areas are complex, and involve a population in the need for development and industrialization resulting in an increase in the standard of living for a poor population. This social im- provement has, in many cases, been at the expense of a rapid deterioration of the local environmen- tal conditions. To halt these negative conditions and to prevent additional deterioration to the environ- ment, efforts are currently being addressed by environmental organizations and political movements to create alternative sustainable solutions to these problems. These proposed solutions must address a multifarious set of issues that are complex and rep- resent a convoluted group of circumstances to permit the survival of numerous species of both plant and animal alike; in the overall scheme, an appropriate solution for survival of our tiny “Paro” species may very easily arrive too late. To Table of Contents pdf
-12- TBAS December 2013 ...... The Parosphromenus Project is an international effort which emerged as an attempt to raise awareness of the Parosphromenus species in particular and the devastating threat to the environment in the area. It is as such, not a “conservation project “ – as it will not be pos- sible to release wild fish in the nature again. For sev- eral years, particularly since about 2000 there has been a growing interest among some enthusiastic aquarists who have done a great job to describe species, gain experience and create liaisons between people and exchange of fish. Much of this early effort comes from Germany, specifically through IGL – where there still is an active group which cooperates in efforts to further these goals. However, in 2010 it was decided to also try to widen this out so that it was more international and would reach people in other areas of the world. A means to this has been the creation of a large trilingual website, where as much knowledge and information as possible is gathered, as well as photos and descriptions. It also provides an open forum for discussion. The Parosphromenus project is a loosely integrated international net based network by aquarists with a particular interest in contributing to the understanding of serious threat to the Parosphromenus species ( through knowledge, information, exchange of fry and especially through the keeping of species which at times are particularly vulner- able). The Parosphromenus Project contributes knowledge through the distribution of newsletters, a “ Godfather “ project, semi-annual count of fish among members (a census), as well as assisting and helping to create contact and information between members. The project also seeks to keep abreast of – and possibly influence – development in the fields – political and environmentally with respect to conservation and the environment. It also seeks to make contacts with important environmental orga- nizations or institutions - for example museums or individuals with political or professional expertise.
Much more information about Parosphromenus Project can be found here http://www.parosphromenus-project.org
Contact for The Parosphromenus Project: [email protected] Contact in Denmark: Helene Schoubye - Information and dissemination of contact, sales of fry (in Denmark) webmaster at http://www.parosphromenus-project.org http://www.pragtgurami.dk or [email protected]
Editing for the American edition by Bill Little. For additional information on an upcoming Captive Breeding Program here in the U.S. please refer to the American Labyrinth Fish Association (ALFA) website or contact Bill Little directly at [email protected]
1. IUCH - International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources http://www.iucnredlist.org/ 2. The IGL - International Community for labyrinth fish To Table of Contents pdf
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DOCTOR..'i FOSTE~,nSMITH
Pet Company
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-20- TBAS December 2013 ...... TAMPA BAY AQUARIUM SOCIETY OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Bill Little
V. PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER Bill Shields Ludo Van Den Bogaert Patty Moncrief
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tom Beech Jeff Carter Hank Darin Joe Gargas
Mike Jacobs Richard Schmidt Al Starkey To Table of Contents