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Kissing Gourami
Helostoma temminckii
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Helostomatidae
📍 Thailand, Java & Borneo
Famous for its lip-locking 'kissing' behaviour — actually a dominance display. Pink or green form available. A voracious algae grazer that also strips soft plants. Grows large.
Care Guide
Diet
Kissing Gouramis are omnivorous herbivores with a voracious appetite for algae and soft plant matter. Feed high-quality flake food, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini) once daily in small portions. Supplement with occasional frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp to provide protein variety.
Behavior
These fish are famous for their 'kissing' behavior, which is actually a dominance display rather than affection. They are semi-aggressive and territorial, especially as they mature, and will chase smaller or similarly-sized fish. They are mid-level swimmers that spend considerable time grazing on algae and plants throughout the day.
Breeding
Breeding Kissing Gouramis in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very specific conditions including soft, acidic water and plenty of floating plants for nest-building. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food, making successful rearing challenging for most hobbyists.
Tank Mates
Similar algae-grazing habits and peaceful temperament; large enough to avoid predation
Schooling fish that may trigger chasing behavior; keep in groups of 6+ for safety
Similar size and semi-aggressive nature; may compete for territory but can coexist
Algae-eating snails that share similar grazing habits without competing directly
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, use ich medication (malachite green or formalin) as directed; quarantine infected fish
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent changes, reduce stocking density, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration
Mouth Fungus (Columnaris)
White cottony growth around mouth and gills, difficulty feeding, gasping
Isolate affected fish, treat with antibacterial medication, maintain pristine water conditions and increase aeration
Bloating/Constipation
Swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, lethargy, difficulty swimming
Fast fish for 1-2 days, feed blanched peas or high-fiber foods, ensure varied diet; check water parameters for ammonia/nitrite
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 6.0–8.0
- diet
- omnivore/herbivore
- maxSize
- 10 inches
- minTankSize
- 55 gallons
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C