Pink Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii)

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Pink Kissing Gourami

Kissinggourami-1379.jpg
Kissing Gourami

Helostoma temminckii

284 Litres (75 US G.)

20.3-30.5cm (8-12 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.8 - 8.5

24.4-27.8°C (76 -82 °F)

5-30 °d

1:2 M:F

Omnivore
Flake Foods
Live Foods

8-20 years

Family

Helostomatidae



Additional names

Pink Kissing Gourami, Kissers, Kissing Fish, Kissing Gourami

Additional scientific names

Helostoma temmincki, Helostoma temminckii, Helostomi temmincki


Origin

Asia: Thailand to Indonesia.


Sexing

There are no external differences between the sexes.


Tank compatibility

Generally docile but will eat small fish. Two males will be territorial towards one another and may be aggressive towards other Gourami species. Best kept with similar sized peaceful fish in a large set up, avoid keeping with territorial Cichlids however.


Diet

Should accept flakes/pellets and frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, blackworms and tubifex also. They may graze algae or soft plants around the tank.


Feeding regime

Feed once to three times a day, this fish can be particularly greedy.


Environment specifics

Requires slow moving water only, avoid strong currents, but provide good filtration. Large rocks or décor should be provided and the tank should be well planted with hardy or unpalatable plants.


Behaviour

Usually a peaceful fish, male Kissing Gourami are known to "kiss" each other using the teeth on the outside of their lips as a display of dominance. This habit is developed when the fish are young and will stay with them for the rest of their life. "Kissing" rarely kills other fish, but it may still hurt other species. If two fish are continuously "kissing", they should be separated as you will most probably have two males and this habit will not let up.
They will generally freely swim all over the tank during the day and will rest at the bottom at night.


Identification

Unlike most other Gourami species, Kissing Gourami do not have "feelers", or ventral fins, protruding from their chest.
There are two sub-species of Kissing Gourami, the Pink Kissing Gourami, and the Green Kissing Gourami. Of the two, the pink variety is more common.
Another selectively-bred morph is the "balloon" variety, their bodies are stunted and they will be more prone to internal disorders such as problems with their swimbladder.

Pictures

External links