Parosphromenus quindecim
Overview
Parosphromenus quindecim is a species of gourami. It is native to Asia, where it is known only from the Pawan River basin in Indonesia. The species reaches 2.9 cm in standard length and is known to be a facultative air-breather. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin word for the number fifteen, referencing the number of dorsal fin spines, which is distinct from other species in the genus. Although present in the aquarium trade, it is noted to be uncommon.
Parosphromenus quindecim faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and peat swamp habitat destruction across its limited range in Borneo. Palm oil plantation expansion and logging activities have eliminated much of the pristine blackwater environments this species requires for survival. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and mining operations further degrades remaining habitat quality, while the species' extremely restricted distribution makes it vulnerable to localized extinction events.
Habitat
This critically endangered gourami inhabits pristine blackwater peat swamp forests and slow-moving acidic streams in Borneo. The species requires heavily shaded, soft-water environments with dense aquatic vegetation and fallen logs typical of undisturbed tropical peat swamps.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in OSPHRONEMIDAE
Threatened in Indonesia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Parosphromenus quindecim classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Parosphromenus quindecim live?
What are the main threats to Parosphromenus quindecim?
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