Parosphromenus quindecim

Overview

Parosphromenus quindecim is a West Kalimantan black-water gourami needing more space than most relatives. It is said to be somewhat easier to maintain, but still requires extremely soft acidic water, a mature environment, and dependable small live foods.

Distribution & habitat

Known records involve the Pawan and Liong systems in West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo; the full range remains uncertain. Peat forest and black-water streams provide heavy shade and dark, mineral-poor acidic water.

Some habitat has been cleared and drained for agriculture. It occurs alongside Parosphromenus ornaticauda at certain sites, but different species should still be separated in captive breeding.

Aquarium setup

Allow at least about 45 × 30 cm for a pair rather than adopting the smaller footprint used for many congeners. Wood, roots, leaves, pots, and pipes create shade and caves. Bare-bottom maintenance is possible. Shade-tolerant and floating plants suit subdued lighting.

An established aquarium with very low general hardness and negligible carbonate hardness is essential; reverse osmosis may be needed. Gentle sponge filtration and weekly changes of about 5–10% avoid irregular major changes. Filterless pairs require low loading and rigorous feeding control and upkeep. Leaf microorganisms supplement fry food without replacing feeding or cleaning.

Diet & feeding

It mainly takes tiny aquatic invertebrates. Provide varied live foods such as brine shrimp nauplii, Daphnia, Moina, mosquito larvae, and microworms. Dry foods are usually refused, while occasional frozen-food acceptance does not make them a complete provision.

Behaviour & compatibility

Pairs alone improve natural fry survival. Mixed-sex groups are possible, but other adults usually reduce success. Do not combine related species because of female-identification difficulties and hybridization risk. Any companions should be tiny, quiet, and suited to the same conditions.

Sexual dimorphism

Male fins combine black near-edge bands, thin blue-green margins, inner blue iridescence, and red areas. Yellow-orange and some blue spots surround the dark tail base. Pelvic fins are dark with blue iridescence and black filament tips. Females are plainer and become pale yellow near spawning; mood affects both sexes.

Breeding

Unlike many head-down-displaying relatives, the male courts horizontally with fins spread. He establishes a cave-centered territory. Temporary pairs attach eggs to the ceiling after embraces, with or without a few bubbles.

The female guards outside and the male tends the brood. Early attempts may lose eggs through dislodging or consumption. Hatching takes about 24–36 hours; mobility follows four to six days later, then full departure after another three to five days. Start with Paramecium or rotifers before brine shrimp nauplii. Mature complex aquariums may rear fry in place; simpler ones favor separation.

Notes

Fourteen to fifteen dorsal spines, a rounded tail, and absence of conspicuous clear male fin spots aid identification. The historical Manis Mata trade label refers to a place distant from the type locality and should not be accepted as a confirmed collection location.