Kissing gourami

Helostoma temminckii

Fleshy lips; the pink-white form is the same species.

Deep-bodied with fleshy lips; natural fish are grey-green. The pink-white form is a leucistic variant of the same species.

Adult length: Up to 25 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 22–30 °C
Lifespan: Up to 20 years
pH: 6–8
Hardness: 1–20 dGH

Native range: Asia: Thailand to Indonesia.

Natural habitat: Favours slow or still floodplain lakes, oxbows, backwaters and swamps, often around submerged vegetation in blackwater or clearwater.

Keep at 22–30°C, pH 6.0–8.0 and 1–20 dGH, with efficient filtration without strong turbulence. Preserve surface access and an air gap for air breathing.

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Appearance and identification

External sexing is unreliable, apart from fuller egg-bearing females. Pseudosphromenus dayi is also a labyrinth fish but smaller, striped and secretive; it is not a juvenile or colour form of the kissing gourami.

Social behaviour and territory

Adults are not gregarious. Avoid buying just two: persistent bullying can result.

Compatibility limits

Large adults may pick plants and harass companions. Kissing partly concerns dominance.

Space requirements

Use a minimum 150 × 45 cm base; multiple fish require more room.

Aquarium environment

Leaves may be picked; the pink-white strain is not a plant-safe cleaning fish.

Diet and feeding

Offer small soft foods including vegetable matter and tiny live or frozen items; grazing does not replace feeding.

Sources