Parosphromenus sp Batu Pahat (Pair)

Parosphromenus sp. “Batu Pahat” is an undescribed licorice gourami (genus Parosphromenus) found in a blackwater stream near Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. It’s not yet formally described as a species with a Latin name, so hobbyists refer to it by its locality name “Batu Pahat.” These fish are part of the licorice gourami group, a set of very colorful, small labyrinth fish in the family Osphronemidae.  Fish

Natural Habitat

• Origin: Batu Pahat area, in peat swamp / blackwater stream habitats of southwest Peninsular Malaysia. 

• Habitat conditions: Very acidic, dark-stained “blackwater” with low hardness and tannin-rich dissolved organic matter — typical of peat swamp ecosystems. 

• These ecosystems are under threat from agriculture, conversion to plantations, and water pollution.

Appearance & Behavior

• These fish are small (often around a few centimeters long) and exhibit striking coloration, especially in males during breeding — often with shades of blue, black, red, and contrasting bands.

• They’re peaceful but shy and specialized fish that prefer very soft, acidic conditions and high-quality water. 

Aquarium Care (Hobbyist Notes)

• Water very soft and acidic (pH often < 6). 

• Strong preference for blackwater biotope setups (leaf litter, tannins). 

• They eat live foods (very fine invertebrates) and can be hard to acclimate to pellets. 

• Best kept in pairs or small groups in biotope-style tanks. 

Why It Matters

Licorice gouramis like Parosphromenus sp. “Batu Pahat” are sought after by specialist aquarists because of their beauty and rarity but are also indicators of fragile peat swamp ecosystems in Southeast Asia that face environmental pressures.