Parosphromenus deissneri
EN

Parosphromenus deissneri

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice_gourami

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Parosphromenus deissneri faces severe habitat degradation from palm oil plantation expansion and logging activities across its native peat swamp forests in Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. The species' specialized requirements for acidic, tannin-rich blackwater environments make it particularly vulnerable to water chemistry changes from agricultural runoff and forest conversion. Collection pressure for the international aquarium trade compounds these threats, as this colorful licorice gourami commands high prices among specialist fishkeepers.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits shallow, slow-moving blackwater streams and pools within pristine peat swamp forests, preferring areas with dense vegetation, fallen logs, and leaf litter that create acidic, tannin-stained water conditions. It requires specific water chemistry with very low pH levels and minimal mineral content typical of undisturbed tropical peat ecosystems.

Wetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies managementSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservationAwareness & communications

Other threatened species in OSPHRONEMIDAE

VU

Betta dennisyongi

Unknown
EN

Betta rubra

Declining
EN

Luciocephalus aura

Unknown
EN

Betta schalleri

Unknown

Threatened in Indonesia

EN

Speckle-faced Bent-toed Gecko

Cyrtodactylus psarops

Unknown
Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

Declining
VU

Bacan Myzomela

Myzomela batjanensis

Declining
VU

Hopea coriacea

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Parosphromenus deissneri classified as Endangered?
Parosphromenus deissneri is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Parosphromenus deissneri faces severe habitat degradation from palm oil plantation expansion and logging activities across its native peat swamp forests in Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. The species' specialized requirements for acidic, tannin-rich blackwater environments make it particularly vulnerable to water chemistry changes from agricultural runoff and forest conversion. Collection pressure for the international aquarium trade compounds these threats, as this colorful licorice gourami commands high prices among specialist fishkeepers.
Where does Parosphromenus deissneri live?
Parosphromenus deissneri occurs in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Parosphromenus deissneri?
The main threats to Parosphromenus deissneri are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.