Pho Xua Gourami (Nanosphronemus gemma) — also known as the Gemma Licorice Gourami or Pho Xua Gourami after its collecting locality in northern Vietnam — is a miniature labyrinth fish of exceptional rarity in the hobby. One of the smallest labyrinth fish in the world, it reaches barely 1 inch in length. Males are jewel-like in full display: iridescent blue-green scales on a dark body, vivid blue fin edging, and the subtle but gorgeous patterning that gives the species its epithet gemma — Latin for "gem." This is a specialist fish that commands serious attention from dedicated nano fish and blackwater aquarists.
⚠ Rarity & Sensitivity Warning: Nanosphronemus gemma is extremely rarely imported and must be considered a sensitive and demanding species. Wild-caught individuals may require acclimatization to frozen or prepared foods before accepting them. Do not add to immature or heavily stocked aquariums. This fish is best kept by experienced aquarists with an established blackwater setup.
Native to slow, heavily vegetated streams and ditches in the Pho Xua region of northern Vietnam, a geographically small range that makes the species particularly vulnerable to habitat change. The water in its native habitat is typically soft and slightly acidic to neutral, with abundant leaf litter, submerged roots, and aquatic plants. Unlike its Sumatran and Bornean Parosphromenus relatives, N. gemma appears to tolerate slightly less extreme acidic conditions — pH 6.0–7.0 is appropriate for most captive settings, with soft to moderately soft water (GH below 8). Indian almond leaves, floating plants, and a dark substrate create the subdued, sheltered environment this species needs.
An exceptionally peaceful and timid fish that must be kept in a calm species-specific or near-species-specific setup. Males may display to each other but serious aggression is uncommon in a properly planted aquarium with sufficient sight breaks. Keep as pairs or small groups of 4–8 individuals in a densely planted nano aquarium of 5–10 gallons. Their tiny size means they can be easily harassed or outcompeted by even moderately active tankmates. Suitable companions, if any are kept, are other miniature, peaceful blackwater species of comparable size such as small Boraras or Sundadanio.
Bubble nest spawners — males build a small bubble nest typically among floating plant roots or under a leaf. The male courts the female beneath the nest with shimmering fin displays; after spawning, he guards the nest and tends the eggs. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or freshly hatched baby brine shrimp as first foods. Successful captive breeding of Nanosphronemus gemma is an achievement worth documenting — this species is so infrequently imported and so narrowly distributed in the wild that every captive-bred individual has real conservation value.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets (soaked thoroughly to soften), Hikari Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp, and Hikari Frozen Daphnia are the foundation of the diet. Live baby brine shrimp and live Moina or Daphnia are strongly recommended especially for newly arrived fish and for conditioning breeding pairs. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily in a calm setting. These fish are extremely small and slow-moving — any faster tankmate will steal their food before they have a chance to eat.
| Difficulty | Advanced — rare specialist species |
| Temperament | Peaceful — species-specific setup strongly recommended |
| Typical Adult Size | 1 inch (2.5 cm) — one of the smallest labyrinth fish |
| Min. Group Size | Pair or small group of 4–8 — species tank |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5–10 gallons (nano setup) |
| Ideal Temp | 72–80°F (22–27°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Ideal GH | 0–8 dGH — soft water preferred |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets; Hikari Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Treat / Supplement | Live baby brine shrimp; live Moina or Daphnia — especially useful for conditioning and reluctant feeders |
| Origin | Pho Xua region, northern Vietnam |
| Notes | Extremely rarely imported. One of the smallest labyrinth fish. Bubble nest spawner. Provide floating plants and Indian almond leaves. Very peaceful but must not be mixed with boisterous tankmates. Captive breeding has real conservation value given the narrow wild range. |
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