Kissing gourami
Helostoma temminckii · Helostomatidae
Also known as Kisser
Intermediate
Reaches 30 cm and 'kisses' to spar; a big grazer for a large, sturdy tank.
- Minimum tank
- 300 L
- Temperature
- 22–30 °C
- pH
- 6–8
- Adult size
- 30 cm
- Group size
- 2+
Will it fit your tank?
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Sign in to check my tanksCare requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 300 L
- Temperature
- 22–30 °C
- pH
- 6–8
- Hardness
- 5–25 dGH
- Lifespan
- 7–20 years
- Diet
- Omnivore/grazer — pellets, greens, algae, frozen foods.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Southeast Asia
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Slow vegetated rivers and ponds
- Natural conditions
- Large volume, wide tolerance, plants it will nibble.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 2 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- Large barbsSilver dollarBig gouramis
- Avoid
- Small fishDelicate planted layouts
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Hard to sex; females are fuller when ripe.
- Notes
- Scatters floating eggs; no nest.
- Common ailments
- IchFin damage from sparring
