Kissing gourami

Care at a glance

Overview

Despite the cute name, these are big, semi-aggressive fish that push other tankmates around once grown. They spend a lot of time grazing across glass, plants, and decor at all levels. Feed a varied diet heavy on vegetable matter, such as spirulina, algae wafers, blanched greens, plus some flake and pellet. They are constant eaters, so a strong filter and regular water changes keep up with the mess.

In the wild

Kissing gouramis come from the sluggish, vegetation-choked waters of Java, Sumatra, and Borneo. These are warm, slow, often murky habitats where the fish graze constantly on surfaces. In the tank that means warm water (low to high 20s C), gentle flow, and room to roam. They get big, so plan on at least 135 liters and realistically more as they grow.

Good to know

Helostoma temminckii is the only member of the family Helostomatidae. It is a large gourami, reaching about 25 cm. Like other gouramis it is an air-breather with a labyrinth organ, so it gulps air from the surface. The pink and silver-green forms seen in the trade are both this one species.

Did you know

The famous "kiss" is not affection. Two fish lock their thick, everted lips together and shove, which is a contest over status or territory. The same protruding mouth they use for sparring is built for rasping algae and biofilm off surfaces.

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