Kissing gourami

Overview

The kissing gourami (Helostoma temminckii) is a large, long-lived labyrinth fish best known for the “kissing” behaviour that is actually a contest of strength between rivals. Those famous protrusible lips are grazing tools, used to rasp algae and biofilm from surfaces. Hardy but big and semi-aggressive, it needs a large tank and robust tankmates — a commitment that places it firmly in intermediate care.

Tank & water

This is a big fish that grows fast and lives long, so plan for space from the start — at least 200 litres (55 gallons).

• Temperature: hold 22–28 °C with a reliable heater.
• Filtration & flow: a strong filter handles the bioload; as a labyrinth fish it breathes at the surface, so keep the surface accessible with an air gap under the lid.
• Water: very adaptable across pH 6.0–8.0 and a wide hardness range.
• Layout: open swimming space with hardy plants and surfaces to graze.

Feeding

Kissing gouramis are grazing omnivores that constantly rasp surfaces for algae and biofilm. Feed a quality flake, pellet or gourami food once or twice a day, with plenty of vegetable matter — spirulina, blanched vegetables, algae wafers — plus occasional frozen daphnia and brine shrimp. Their appetite is large, so feed generously but avoid fouling the water; see best fish food.

Tankmates

Best kept with robust, similarly sized fish: larger barbs, bigger tetras, peaceful cichlids, sturdy catfish and rainbowfish. Their size and nudging make them poor company for small, timid or long-finned fish. Two kissing gouramis may spar, so give them room.

Common care notes

• Plan for a large adult in a big tank
• Offer plenty of vegetable matter for grazing
• Keep robust tankmates and give space
• Long-lived — expect a decade of care

The kissing gourami is a rewarding, characterful fish for keepers with the space — just size the tank for the adult, not the juvenile you buy.