Balloon Pink Kissing Gourami

Distribution:
   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.

Status:
   There are no wild populations of this species.

Description:
  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.

Size - Weight:
   Four to five (10 - 13 cm) is a good length for the Balloon Pink Kissing Gourami to reach in the aquarium, though they could reach up to about eight inches (20 cm). The Kissing Gourami itself has been known to reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in the wild.

Care and feeding:
   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.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   The Kissing Gourami primarily inhabits the top and middle areas of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   This fish will be bothered by a strong current in the tank, especially if the tank is small. It is also desirable to keep the tank in a room with a temperature as close as possible to the tank water, or risk damaging the labyrinth organ.
   Temperature: 72 - 82° F (22 - 28° C)
   Hardness: 5 - 35° dGH
   Ph: 6.0 - 8.8

Social Behaviors:
   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.

Sexual Differences:
   There are no visible differences between the male and female.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   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.

Availability:
   The Balloon Kissing Gourami is readily available. Specimens will be about $3.00 - $6.00 USD.