[Mike Hu]

Hi guys,

I think the name is actually rather sweet and unpretentious and it was what started my interest in this species.

We have sweets in the UK known as liqourice allsorts and they have a dark and white strips that is a bit like the fish.

Without newcomers to this topic, interest in this species may have a higher barrier and growth of experience and dedicated keepers and breeders may decline. Any help this species can get from the more “commercial” side of the industry can’t be all that bad as without that first spark of interest people may be put off and the extinction of the species will just be sped up since no one would get to understand or care enough.

For example, people in the UK tend to shy away from anything which connotes pompousness or elitism. A fish called the “pompous gourami” would do the personality of this fish little favours here as it already has a reputation for being a difficult breed. Whilst I understand Peter’s perspective that this species is indeed very special, surely that should come out of getting to know what the fish can offer in terms of beauty and personality rather than from what it is called.

I respect anybody’s enthusiasm and dedication to this species but I don’t think the term “licorice gourami” is dull or false. Rather it is something a child might find magical and “delicious”. And if the aim is partly to educate the masses then I say get them when they are young.

[Mike Hu]

Hi Tom,

Just did some research on John Innes compost and there seems to be a recipe called JOHN INNES CUTTING COMPOST which is :
1 Loam
2 Peat
1 Sand
No added fertiliser

This seems like a good natural substrate with no added minerals or lime and the peat should keep ph down as it decomposes into humics.

Any opinion? I reckon about 1.5 to 2 inches of this with an inch of sand.

[Mike Hu]

Hi Tom,

Yet again you have show some fantastic pictures and I pleased that your tank is still the inspiration that it is even a year later.

Can I ask you something about your substrate? I notices that you used a John Innes compost with a sand cap. Is this the Walstad method that I’ve also read about?

I’ve been debating whether to get use something like TMC’s aquagro nutrasoil which is good for plants and can help to reduce ph but its just so darn expensive.

Does your substrate lower ph? Is yours a low cost method?

Thanks

Mike

[Mike Hu]

Hi guys,

I just found Amazonas in English as well.

Please say the licorice gourami feature will be in the English edition. Do you have more information on this Peter?

[Mike Hu]

Isn’t it interesting that there can be quite a few perspectives of the same side of the coin. This is certainly welcome and I am pleased that as a complete novice, my views are treated in such a democratic way. Thank you Peter and Helene for your thoughts on the matter.

I am sold! Breeding the licorice gourami as a way of reducing dependency on a natural resource is definitely something I shall endeavor to do. This way we “hobbyists” are not completely powerless in the face of extinction of such a remarkable species.

I am starting at step zero, at first wanting to know if 2 interesting species could be mixed in a community, but now I will certainly bear in mind the knowledge shared on this site. As I said in my last post, I will update on any progress I have made and will certainly appreciate any advice on the way.

Cheers.

PS I would really love to see a section of some inspirational tanks and methods that people use. Maybe small feature articles. I have mentioned before that Big Tom’s bucket o’ mud is something that drew me here and has lead me down all sorts of interesting avenues.

[Mike Hu]

Thank you Peter for such comprehensive response.

I’ll certainly bear in mind the aims of the project that you have outlined when setting up my tank. Or tanks where breeding may be concerned.

Whilst I appreciate the concerns of conservation of rare and endangered species, I personally find conflict between conservation and keeping decorative fish as an aquarist. For us it is a hobby to which many sincere people are dedicated however in terms of conservation and from the perspective of the fish surely our efforts are trite when their habitat is being destroyed so that the human race can pursue gratification, dare I say in hobbies amongst other things. These pursuits ultimately are not at all for the benefit of the fish we keep.

However, these are topics which are far beyond me and I don’t have the knowledge of many more experienced people. Personally, I have seen both chocolate and licorice gouramis in my local fish shop and I ask myself if I can provide them with a better home. With some plenty of advice and useful information here I believe I can and I can only hope that is enough.

Thanks again Peter for your great response and it’s so encouraging that you are fully engaged in the subject. I will definitely update on any progress I make.

Happy Christmas and Merry New year

[Author]

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