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Balloon Pink Kissing GouramiBalloon Kissing GouramiFamily: Helostomatidae Helostoma temminkiiPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David BroughLatest Reader Comment - See More I can easily determine the sexual difference at first sight...(only from adult balloon kissing gouramis)...also I have bred about 1500-2000 fishes at a time. Jossy Balloon Pink Kissing Gourami are a newer fish to the aquarium hobby. They are very cute hardy fish, and an easy aquarium inhabitant to keep!The Balloon Pink Kissing Gourami is a mutated strain of the "Pink" Kissing Gourami. The "form" of this gourami is rounder and not quite as laterally compressed. It is this 'balloon' type shape from which it derives its name. It is also smaller than the Kissing Gourami. Like the Kissing Gourami, these fish use their lips and teeth to rasp algae from the surface of rocks or from the glass in the aquarium. These fish are quite hardy and have a great appetite but they don't get as large as their counterpart. So they can be kept in a smaller aquarium but still must not be overcrowded as this can stunt their growth. For more Information on keeping this fish see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Balloon Pink Kissing Gourami has been developed in captivity and is a mutated strain of the 'pink' color-morph of the Kissing Gourami. Kissing Gouramis are found in the tropical Far East; Thailand, Indonesia, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Malay Peninsula, and Cambodia where they inhabit slow waters, primarily ponds and marshes with dense vegetation.
- Scientific Name: Helostoma temminkii
- Social Grouping: Groups - Can be kept singly, in pairs, or groups. If kept in a group make sure there are plenty of hiding places to keep one or more of the individuals from being bullied.
- IUCN Red List: - There are no wild populations of this species.
The Balloon Pink Kissing Gourami is rounder and not quite as laterally compressed, as the Kissing Gourami. It is also smaller. This fish has a labyrinth organ, a part of the fish which allows it to absorb atmospheric oxygen directly into the bloodstream. These fish are pinkish to orangish pink with transparent fins.
The most distinctive characteristic of both this fish and the Kissing Gourami is the mouth. The mouth has lips that are thick and fleshy with fine teeth on the inner surface. The name 'Kissing" was actually derived from the action of its mouth where it uses it lips and teeth to rasp algae from the surface of rocks or from the glass in the aquarium.
- Maximum Size: 8.0 inches (20.32 cm) - Although this form of the species rarely exceeds 6 inches, sometimes specimens can reach 8 inches. The Kissing Gourami itself has been known to reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in the wild.
- Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy
- Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
Since they are omnivores, the Balloon Pink Kissing Gourami will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. A quality flake or pellet food makes a good base to the diet but it is important to supplement this with meaty foods. Supplementation can include white worms, blood worms, brine shrimp, or any other suitable substitute. Fresh vegetables or vegetable tablets can be offered as well.
Kissing Gouramis are extremely hardy fish. Although the labyrinth organ allows the fish to survive in oxygen depleted water, it is a common misconception that this makes water changes unnecessary. This is hardly the case, as these fish will suffer the same tissue damage from built up toxins as any other fish. Regular water changes are a must with 25% weekly being recommended.
As Juveniles this fish can be housed in a 15 - 20 gallon aquarium, but adults will need 30 gallons or more. Plants are not necessary but are appreciated. Keep in mind that they are a natural part of their diet and they have been known to snack on them. Artificial plants can make a handy substitute if you experience this with your fish.
- Diet Type: Omnivore
- Flake Food: Yes
- Tablet Pellet: Yes
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day
- Water Changes: Monthly
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gal (284 L)
- Substrate Type: Any
- Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
- Temperature: 72.0 - 82.0° F (22.2 - 27.8° C) - Keep the surrounding room temperature consistent with the water temperature to avoid causing trauma to the labyrinth organ.
- Range ph: 6.0-8.8
- Hardness Range: 5 - 35 dGH
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Moderate - This fish will be bothered by a strong current in the tank, especially if the tank is small.
- Water Region: All - The Kissing Gourami primarily inhabits the top and middle areas of the aquarium.
They are generally a good community fish, but when the Balloon Kissing Gourami get older you should keep them only with fish their own size.
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Compatible with:
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Safe
- Semi-Aggressive: (): Monitor
- Slow Swimmers & Eaters: (): Monitor - Gouramis can be quick at feeding time. Make sure any fish that are not so quick get fed if you are keeping them with gouramis.
There are no visible differences between the male and female.
Unlike most of the labyrinth fish, the Balloon Kissing Gourami are not bubble nest builders. Their eggs as well as the fry, are lighter than water and float to the top. See the description of how to breed these fish here, in Breeding Freshwater Fish. Most books on the subject say the Kissing Gourami is harder to breed than most other gouramis.
- Ease of Propagation: Moderate - The Balloon Kissing Gourami is reputedly harder to breed than other types of gouramis.
The Balloon Kissing Gourami is readily available.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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