Kissing gourami
Helostoma temminkii
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Moderate
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Recommended tank
- 400 L
- Maximum size
- 30 cm
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.8
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The kissing gourami from South-East Asia owes its name to the familiar sight of two fish pressing their lips together. Romantic it is not: this is a trial of strength between rivals, in which they try to shove each other back for minutes on end.
It uses its thick, ridged lips to rasp film from surfaces and to sift fine particles from the water. It grows considerably larger than most gouramis, so plan for a roomy tank and tankmates that can take a knock.
Good to know
Related species
Keep Kissing gourami in the BlubHub app
Add this species to your inhabitants, with count and photos, and see the care info next to your own water values, target bands and reminders. Free, no account, everything on your own device.
Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.