Kissing GouramiKissing Gourami, Pink KisserFamily: Helostomatidae Helostoma temminkiiPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David BroughLatest Reader Comment - See More Had these for years without any problems in a tank with small tetras although the authors wrong with sexual differences females have a rounded dorsal fin males... (more) stu The Kissing Gourami is one of the most popular gouramis. Everyone who gets interested in gouramis eventually gets a Kissing Gourami because of their unusual "kissing" action!Kissing Gourami Contents When the Kissing Gouramis look like they "kiss" each other, the action is thought to be some form of social testing of strength or status. The Kissing Gourami is actually named for the unusual shape of its mouth when eating or sucking debris. These fish use their lips and teeth to rasp algae from the surface of rocks or from the glass in the aquarium. The Kissing Gourami comes in two color forms, grayish-green and pink. The pink form is a mutation that is propagated in captivity and the one that is most readily available to the aquarist. The Kissing Gourami are quite hardy and have a great appetite. But these are relatively large fish and require as large a tank as possible. If they get overcrowded their growth can become stunted. In their native environment Kissing Gourami can get up to 30 cm (12 inches), though in the aquarium they usually reach only 12 - 15 cm (5 - 6 inches). Though they are generally considered community fish they can become bullies to smaller fish. They do best with other large companions. For more Information on keeping this fish see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Kissing Gourami was first described by Cuvier in 1829 and named after a Dutch doctor, Temminck. They 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. In their native countries they are used a food.
The Kissing Gourami is a flat fish with a round but elongated body. The ventral fins are threadlike and extremely sensitive. This fish has a labyrinth organ, a part of the fish which allows it to absorb atmospheric oxygen directly into the bloodstream. They gulp water at the surface to insure adequate oxygen intake, so must have access to plenty of surface area.
These fish come in two color forms, grayish-green and pink. The wild form is a gray to green color with horizontal stripes and dark fins. The other form is pinkish to orangish pink with transparent fins. The pink form is a mutation that is propagated in captivity, and is the one that is primarily available to the aquarist. It is not clear if this mutation occurs in the wild.
The most distinctive characteristic of this fish is its 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.
Since they are omnivores, the 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.
They need a good size tank. While juveniles can be housed in a 15 - 20 gallon aquarium, adults will need at least 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.
The Kissing Gourami is generally considered a good community fish when small, but they are not as peaceful as adults. They have been known to attack smaller fish. When they get older only keep them with fish their own size. Individuals will show varying degrees of aggression. Some will be very belligerent and will handle their tank mates quite roughly.
A mix of large neutral personalities is an ideal goal for the range of tank mates. You should not include fish which will provoke this species into aggression as they are often passionate fighters. Fin nippers and gouramis should absolutely never be mixed, as the trailing pelvic fins and generally slower movement of this fish make it the perfect victim. Bullying between gouramis is a likely scenario as these fish, typical of the family, are fixated on constantly working out the details of the hierarchy. The Kissing Gourami is also a skilled hunter and extremely small fish or fish fry rarely last long.
There are no visible differences.
Unlike most of the labyrinth fish, the Kissing Gouramis are not bubble nest builders. Their eggs as well as the fry are lighter than water and float to the top. Once they have spawned, the eggs float to the top and are forgotten.
See the description of how to breed these fish in Breeding Freshwater Fish. Most books on the subject say this fish is harder to breed than most other gouramis.
The Kissing Gourami is readily available and will cost about $3.00 - $6.00 USD.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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