Parosphromenus allani

Adults grow to just over 3 centimeters. Males are distinguished by their bright and rich coloration: their bodies are adorned with alternating dark and light horizontal stripes. The fins of males are colored in black and red tones, with a turquoise pigment sometimes present along the edges. It is important to note that some populations lack red hues. A characteristic feature of the species is an irregularly shaped black spot located on the dorsal and caudal fins. Females, however, appear much more modest: their body pattern is similar to males, but their fins are plain, translucent, and gray.

The natural habitat of this species is in Southeast Asia, on the Malaysian part of Borneo, primarily in the state of Sarawak. They prefer shallow peat swamps, as well as associated streams and small rivers where the banks are densely overgrown. The bottom of such bodies of water is usually covered with a thick layer of fallen plant debris — branches, leaves, and grass. During their decomposition, a significant amount of humic acids and tannins are released, giving the water a rich brown tint. In conditions where humans develop wild nature and natural habitats degrade, fish may be found in agricultural irrigation canals and even in roadside ditches.

Their peaceful nature, small size, and specific habitat significantly limit the choice of compatible species. Good tankmates can be small cyprinids, such as rasboras and danios. The selection of other Parosphromenus species should be approached with caution, as many of them are prone to hybridization.

For one or two fish, the optimal aquarium volume starts from 20–30 liters. The natural aquarium setup should include natural snags, dark soft substrate, shade-loving plant species, some of which can be floating, as well as dried leaves from certain trees. Hiding places should be formed from snags and vegetation; this is especially important for breeding. If decorative elements are not essential, any other aquarium decorations from a pet store or online store will suffice as shelters. For long-term keeping of Parosphromenus allani, the hydrochemical composition of the water plays a key role. The fish require very acidic and soft pH and dGH values. Beginner aquarists may face difficulties both in water preparation and in maintaining stable water parameters. To do this, a series of mandatory care procedures must be regularly performed: weekly water changes of 10–15% of the volume with fresh water, systematic removal of organic waste (food remnants, excrement), and cleaning of decorative elements. Since the fish inhabit swampy waters, they tolerate current poorly, the main source of which in an aquarium is the filtration system. For a small group of fish and no risk of overfeeding, a simple air-driven sponge filter is quite sufficient.

The diet of these fish should primarily consist of live or frozen foods, such as Artemia, Daphnia, and bloodworms. Fish generally refuse dry foods, so they are not recommended.

The breeding strategy of this species is as follows: a male and female Allan's Licorice Gourami form a temporary pair. Spawning usually occurs in bottom shelters, such as caves, fallen leaves, or other hiding places. The male takes on the protection of the clutch and subsequent offspring. As the breeding season approaches, he selects a suitable spawning site and begins to actively guard it from rivals, while simultaneously initiating courtship. After the female accepts his attention, spawning begins, accompanied by mating dances, during which the fish press closely against each other, swimming almost vertically, head down. Each batch of eggs is picked up and transported to the shelter, where they are attached to the roof of the cave or placed in a pre-prepared foam nest by the male. Upon completion of spawning, the female departs, and the male remains to guard the clutch. The incubation period is up to 36 hours. Another 4–6 days will pass before the fry begin free-swimming. At this point, parental instincts weaken, and the adults lose interest in the offspring. Although the juveniles can safely stay near the parents, there is no guarantee that other fish will not try to eat them; therefore, it is recommended to transfer the fry to a separate aquarium with similar water conditions.

Maintaining a stable biological system, providing a balanced diet, and eliminating stress factors (e.g., harassment by aggressive tank mates) are the best guarantees for preserving fish health. If the first signs of illness appear, the first thing to pay attention to is precisely these three aspects, as deviations have likely occurred in one of them. As a rule, eliminating the problem leads to self-recovery. However, if the immune system proves to be insufficiently strong, medicinal treatment may be required.

The species is practically absent in wide commercial sale and is distributed mainly through private aquarists. When purchasing, it is important to ensure that the fish are active, have no visible fin damage, ulcers, or signs of emaciation. Due to their high sensitivity to water quality and propensity for stress during transport, the condition of the individuals in the seller's aquarium should be carefully assessed. It is recommended to acquire only established pairs, as sex determination in young or stressed fish is difficult, and keeping mixed-sex groups in one aquarium can lead to conflicts.