Parosphromenus alfredi
CR

Parosphromenus alfredi

Declining

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

Overview

Parosphromenus alfredi is a species of gourami. It is native to Asia, where it is known only from freshwater habitats with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.0, including peat swamps, in the state of Johor in Malaysia. The species reaches 2.6 cm (1.0 in) in standard length and is known to be a facultative air-breather.

Its specific epithet honors Eric R. Alfred, an ichthyologist and former curator of the National Museum of Singapore noted for his work on the fishes of the Malay Peninsula. It is sometimes kept as an aquarium fish, where it is commonly known as Alfred's licorice gourami.

Parosphromenus alfredi faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and peat swamp conversion across its limited range in Borneo. Palm oil plantations and logging operations have destroyed much of the pristine blackwater habitats this species requires for survival. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities further degrades remaining suitable environments, while the species' extremely restricted distribution makes it vulnerable to localized extinction events.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered gourami inhabits pristine blackwater streams and peat swamps in lowland tropical rainforests of Borneo. It requires soft, acidic waters with dense aquatic vegetation and overhanging forest canopy that maintains cool, shaded conditions.

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

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies managementSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservationAwareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Parosphromenus alfredi classified as Critically Endangered?
Parosphromenus alfredi is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Parosphromenus alfredi faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and peat swamp conversion across its limited range in Borneo. Palm oil plantations and logging operations have destroyed much of the pristine blackwater habitats this species requires for survival. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities further degrades remaining suitable environments, while the species' extremely restricted distribution makes it vulnerable to localized extinction events.
Where does Parosphromenus alfredi live?
Parosphromenus alfredi occurs in Malaysia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Parosphromenus alfredi?
The main threats to Parosphromenus alfredi are 7.3, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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