Kissing Gourami
Helostoma temminckii
Minimum Tank
75 Gallons
Adult Size
12 inches
Temperature
72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range
6.0-8.5
Lifespan
7 years
About Kissing Gourami
The kissing gourami is a large, distinctive fish from the freshwater habitats of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is named for its unique protrusible mouth that it extends in a lip-locking kissing motion, which is actually used for sparring with rivals and rasping algae from surfaces rather than any form of affection. Two color forms exist: the wild green and the more common pink, which is a leucistic variant. Kissing gouramis can grow to 12 inches in large aquariums, making them one of the biggest gourami species commonly available. They are omnivorous and spend much of their time browsing surfaces for algae and biofilm. Their unusual kissing behavior and size make them an intriguing if demanding aquarium resident.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 75-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 8.5
- • Category: Labyrinth
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Kissing gouramis need a large tank of at least 55 gallons, with 75 gallons or more recommended as they grow. They can be semi-aggressive, using their lips to lock onto and push other fish, so avoid keeping them with very small or delicate species. Provide a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and robust plants. They are herbivorous grazers that benefit from algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and spirulina-based foods alongside standard pellets and flakes. Water temperature should be 72-82°F. Their kissing behavior between conspecifics is a form of sparring, not affection. Strong filtration is needed for their heavy bioload. They can live 20 years or more with proper care.
Quick Facts
284L
Min Tank (75gal)
30cm
Adult Size (12")
7yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
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Tank Mates for Kissing Gourami
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Kissing Gourami need?
A Kissing Gourami needs a minimum tank size of 75 gallons (284 litres).
What water parameters does a Kissing Gourami need?
Kissing Gourami thrive in water between 72-82°F (22-28°C) with a pH of 6.0-8.5.
Are Kissing Gourami easy to care for?
Kissing Gourami are considered moderate to care for. They are semi-aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 7 years.
How big do Kissing Gourami get and what do they eat?
Kissing Gourami reach about 12 inches and are omnivores. Kissing gouramis need a large tank of at least 55 gallons, with 75 gallons or more recommended as they grow. They can be semi-aggressive, using their lips to lock onto and push other fish, so avoid keeping them with very small or delicate species. Provide a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and robust plants. They are herbivorous grazers that benefit from algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and spirulina-based foods alongside standard pellets and flakes. Water temperature should be 72-82°F. Their kissing behavior between conspecifics is a form of sparring, not affection. Strong filtration is needed for their heavy bioload. They can live 20 years or more with proper care.