Kissing Gourami

Kissing Gourami

The Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii) is a distinctive and fascinating freshwater fish known for its unique "kissing" behaviour, which is actually a form of social sparring rather than affection. Native to Southeast Asia, this hardy species makes a bold and entertaining addition to larger aquariums, particularly due to its curious personality and long lifespan.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Kissing Gouramis can grow up to 30 cm (12 inches) in captivity, though they are often smaller when kept in moderately sized tanks.
• Coloration: Typically pale pink, silvery green, or light grey, depending on the variety. The Pink Kissing Gourami is the most popular in the aquarium trade.
• Fins: Rounded dorsal and anal fins with a slight point at the ends. Their mouth is uniquely shaped for scraping algae and plant material from surfaces.
• Shape: Deep-bodied and laterally compressed with a protruding, puckered mouth used for their namesake behaviour.

Behaviour:

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but can become semi-aggressive or territorial, especially in confined spaces or with other kissing gouramis.
• Activity Level: Active swimmers that explore all areas of the tank, often seen grazing on algae and decorations.
• Community Behaviour: Can coexist with other medium-to-large peaceful species. They may "kiss" tankmates in a show of dominance, which can sometimes cause stress or minor injuries.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 150 litres (40 gallons) is recommended for a single Kissing Gourami. Larger tanks are ideal, especially when keeping more than one.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)
  • pH: 6.5 to 8.0
  • Hardness: 5–20 dGH
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate and Decorations: Use a soft or sandy substrate with hardy plants, rocks, and driftwood. They may nibble on or uproot delicate plants.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is ideal. They may appreciate shaded areas created by floating plants.
  • Filtration: Use a strong filter to maintain water quality, as Kissing Gouramis can be messy eaters. Weekly water changes (20–30%) are advised.

Diet:

Kissing Gouramis are omnivores with a strong appetite for plant matter and algae:

• Vegetable Matter: Offer blanched vegetables like spinach, lettuce, zucchini, and algae wafers regularly.
• Pellets and Flakes: Use high-quality pellets and flakes formulated for herbivorous or omnivorous fish.
• Protein Sources: Supplement with bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia for variety.

Tankmates:

Kissing Gouramis do best with tankmates that can tolerate their bold behaviour:

• Suitable Companions: Silver dollars, larger barbs, rainbowfish, peaceful cichlids (like Severums), and bottom dwellers such as Plecos or Synodontis.
• Avoid: Very small or timid fish, slow swimmers, or those with long fins that may be nipped.

Breeding:

Breeding Kissing Gouramis in home aquariums is rare due to their size and space requirements:

• Breeding Setup: A large, separate tank with warm, clean water and floating plants to encourage spawning behaviour.
• Spawning Behaviour: The male will pursue the female and fertilise floating eggs, which rise to the surface. No parental care is provided.
• Fry Care: Remove adults post-spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. Feed fry infusoria or liquid fry food initially, followed by baby brine shrimp.

Special Considerations:

• Unique "Kissing" Behaviour: Often seen pressing mouths together in a harmless show of dominance. If excessive, it may indicate territorial stress.
• Growth Potential: As they can grow quite large, Kissing Gouramis are best suited to experienced aquarists with spacious tanks or indoor ponds.
• Long Lifespan: With proper care, they can live over 15 years in captivity.