Kissing Gourami

Overview

• Scientific Name: Helostoma temminckii
• Common Names: Kissing Gourami, Pink Kissing Gourami, Green Kissing Gourami
• Type: A large, semi-aggressive gourami species native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Appearance

• Body Color: Kissing Gouramis are typically pale pink or silvery-white (Pink Kissing Gourami). There is also a green variety (Green Kissing Gourami) that has a darker olive-green hue.
• Size: One of the larger gourami species, they can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length, though they are more commonly seen at 6-8 inches in aquariums.
• Fins: Their fins are relatively short compared to their body, with rounded dorsal and anal fins. Their ventral fins are small and thin.
• Mouth: Their most distinctive feature is their protrusible lips, which they use for the characteristic "kissing" behavior.
• Lifespan: Can live for 7-10 years with proper care.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Aquarium Size:
  • Due to their large size, a minimum tank size of 55 gallons is recommended for young fish, but larger tanks (75-100 gallons) are preferred as they grow.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C).
  • pH: 6.8-8.5.
  • Hardness: 5-20 dGH.
  • Filtration: Strong filtration is necessary due to their size and waste production. They prefer slow to moderate water movement.
  • Substrate: Smooth gravel or sand is suitable. They appreciate tanks with some plants but are known to nibble on live plants.

Diet and Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous, with herbivorous tendencies.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times daily with food that can be consumed in a few minutes.
• Food Options:
  • High-quality pellets or flakes.
  • Fresh or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or tubifex worms.
  • Algae wafers or vegetable-based foods such as blanched spinach, zucchini, or lettuce.

Behavior and Temperament

• Social Nature: Semi-aggressive, especially towards their own species or similarly sized fish. They are known for their "kissing" behavior, which can be a sign of dominance or territoriality.
• Compatibility: Best kept with other large, peaceful fish such as silver dollars, plecos, or large tetras. Avoid smaller, delicate species as well as highly aggressive fish. Do not house multiple Kissing Gouramis in small tanks, as their kissing behavior can turn into actual fighting.
• Activity Level: Active swimmers that prefer the middle and top areas of the tank. They use their lips not only for "kissing" but also to graze on algae or clean surfaces in the aquarium.
• Temperament: Their "kissing" is usually harmless but can become aggressive between males, especially in confined spaces.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Not commonly bred in home aquariums due to their size and specific breeding requirements.
• Spawning: If breeding occurs, they scatter eggs in open water. The eggs float and hatch within a day or two.
• Fry Care: Fry are free-swimming after 2-3 days, and they need very fine food such as infusoria or commercial fry food.

Health and Care

• Regular Maintenance:

  • Perform weekly 20-25% water changes to maintain clean water.
  • Keep a close eye on water parameters, especially ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.

• Common Diseases:

  • Ich (White Spot Disease): Treat with increased temperatures and ich-specific medications.
  • Fin Rot: Often caused by poor water quality; can be treated with antibacterial medications.
  • Hole-in-the-Head Disease: A parasitic infection more common in larger fish, often due to poor water quality or poor diet. Treat with proper medications and improve water conditions.