Parosphromenus alfredi
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.
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.
