Kissing Gourami

Temp. Range:    72-82°F. pH:    6.5 - 8.5 dH range:    5.0 - 19.0 Adult Size:    Can get up to 12"

Helostoma temminckii

Kissing Gourami $3.99 Buy Kissing Gouramis

Origin:    South East Asia. Inhabits slow-moving water with thick vegetation. Feeds on a variety of plants and animals, including green algae and zooplankton (Ref. 6459) as well as aquatic insects near the water surface
Temperament:    Peaceful, though males will challenge for territory and females with their mouths.
Feeding:    Feed with vegetable flakes. Will dine on plants. Do not clean the algae off the back and sides of the tank as this is a food source.
Sexing:        Only God & they know.
Comments:    Do not keep with smaller fish, after they start obtaining size.  However they will eagerly remedy this mistake for you.

    The Kissing Gourami is also known as the Kisser Fish or Pink Kisser. The Kissing Gourami is silvery-peach in color and has thick lips that can be extended or pursed (as in kissing). They are generally a tolerant species, but males may occasionally fight by pressing their lips together (i.e., kissing). The weaker of the two will normally back down. They are surface breathers and must have access to the surface of the aquarium.

    The Kissing Gourami requires a 30-gallon or larger tank, with stones and plants. Plastic plants are best because they will eat most all vegetation in the aquarium, although Java Fern and possibly Java Moss may also be used. There is no need to clean the back of the aquarium because the Kissing Gourami will browse on the algae that is growing there. The Kissing Gourami is peaceful with other fish of similar size and will tolerate others of the same species.

    There are no distinguishing characteristics between the male and female, although the female is usually heavier than the male. The Kissing Gourami prefers soft water for breeding and does not build a nest. Lettuce leaves should be laid on the surface for use as spawning material. The eggs will float to the lettuce where the fry will get nourishment from the bacteria and infusoria that is on the lettuce.

    The Kissing Gourami is an omnivore and requires both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.

Breeding Kissing Gourami and Raising Fry    (Opens a new browser window for members of Aquarium-Club.com)
Other Gourami Species    (Opens a new browser window for members of Aquarium-Club.com)

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