Kissing gourami
Helostoma temminckii
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–86°F
- 22–30°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 9.8 in
- 25 cm
- Minimum tank
- 36 gal
- 135 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Common
- Family
- Helostomatidae
- Origin
- Java, Sumatra, Borneo
Overview
The kissing gourami is a big fish that spends a lot of time grazing on glass, plants and decor. It is best kept once you have a little experience.
Caring for the kissing gourami
Kissing gouramis get big, so plan on at least 36 gal (135 L), and realistically more as they grow. Give them gentle flow and room to roam.
Keep the water warm, at 72 to 86°F (22 to 30°C), with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Feed a varied diet heavy on vegetable matter, such as spirulina, algae wafers and blanched greens, plus some flake and pellet. They are constant eaters, so a strong filter and regular water changes keep up with the mess.
Despite the cute name, grown kissing gouramis push other tank mates around. They are mostly peaceful, but choose their tank mates with caution. They are fine alone or in a group.
Good to know
Helostoma temminckii is the only member of the family Helostomatidae. 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 in the trade are both this one species.
In the wild
Kissing gouramis come from the sluggish, vegetation-choked waters of Java, Sumatra and Borneo. These are warm, slow, often murky habitats.
Common questions
What size tank does a kissing gourami need?
A kissing gourami needs at least 36 gal (135 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a kissing gourami need?
A kissing gourami is comfortable at 72–86°F (22–30°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a kissing gourami eat?
A kissing gourami eats a varied diet heavy on vegetable matter, such as spirulina, algae wafers and blanched greens, plus some flake and pellet.
How big does a kissing gourami get?
An adult kissing gourami reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm).
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