Feed kissing gouramis only enough food they can consume in three to five minutes, offer food twice a day. Kissing Gourami grow slowly. I’ve had mine over 12 months, they’re still only about 5 inches. Kissing gourami fry eat their egg sacs, become free swimmers within days of hatching. Once fry begin free swimming, feed infusoria until large enough to eat brine shrimp.
It’s tricky to keep multiple kissing gouramis in a tank. But in large tanks with groups raised together from young age, they can be kept together. Works best in very large tanks. Male-female pairs most stable, but require sizable tanks. Kissing gouramis get 30-40 cm long. Aquarium Kissing Gourami live 10-15 years, up to 25 years.
Kissing behavior uncommon unless kept together. Because no strong fighting power, kissing gouramis use jagged mouths as weapons. Kissing means fighting, not affection. Have mild character, can mix with small ornamental fishes.
Breathe air with lung-like labyrinth organ, need access to surface. Do better in groups around four or more. More natural behaviors in shoals. Kiss when mating or aggressive, usually peaceful, passive.
Compatible tank mates include yoyo loach, swordtails. Avoid other gouramis, especially multiple males without large planted tanks. When breeding, male wraps around female, she releases thousands of eggs he fertilizes. No bubble nest.
Why do kissing gourami fish kiss?
Kissing gourami fish are a popular freshwater species known for their unique “kissing” behavior. This has intrigued fish enthusiasts and scientists, leading to questions about why these fish engage in this behavior. Understanding the reasons can provide insight into their social interactions. Scientifically known as Helostoma temminckii, kissing gourami are native to Southeast Asia. These fish have large, round mouths which they use to suck up food and “kiss”.
Since they get quite large, can survive in hot, low oxygen environments, and don’t need specialized food, they are raised mostly as food fish in Asia. However they are popular as aquarium fish for their colors and habits. The maximum length for kissing gouramis in aquariums is 30-40 cm. They have been known to live over 25 years.
Kissing gouramis are some of the largest gourami fish bought. They will grow to between 8-12 inches. They have earned the name kissing gouramis because of how they “kiss”. However, kissing isn’t what they’re actually doing. The first thing to know is that they aren’t actually kissing when they lock lips.
Originally from Java, kissing gourami can now be found in Borneo, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. They come in three variations – pink, silver-green, and mottled. The pink results from leucism and has been selectively bred.
When they “kiss”, it means they are fighting with each other. It is typically observed in young males, who want to defend their territory or feeding areas.
How big can a kissing gourami get?
Kissing gouramis get quite large, typically 10 – 12 inches. We don’t recommend them for beginners due to potential adult size and territoriality. They often chase other fish, especially after feeding, which gets annoying.
Despite reputation, kissing gouramis are peaceful, making great additions to community tanks. The kissing gourami is beautiful, native to Southeast Asia. They get their name from “kissing” other fish! Easy to care for, baby brine shrimp are a good food option. When big enough, slowly introduce flake food.
Kissing gouramis need tropical water temperatures. A 30 centimeter body length requires more than a 50 liter tank. They perform acrobatic somersaults while cleaning leaves and glass. The “kisses” likely clean each other’s teeth.
Kissing gourami reach 30 centimeters maximum length. Difficult to distinguish sexes. Good tankmates include loaches, barbs, tetras, cichlids and catfish. They live over 25 years.
Kissing gouramis have an air breathing chamber enabling good hearing. They make unique sounds with pharyngeal teeth. Wild kissing gouramis average 30 centimeters, growing to 40 centimeters. Slow stream residents, likely not rapid swimmers.
The white kissing gourami has a pinkish hue, growing to 12 inches. A semi-aggressive species. This breeding guide works for most gouramis. Kissing gouramis may be more difficult, requiring a larger tank.
The concave-shaped caudal fin mirrors the anal fin. The mouth protrudes from the body with horny teeth. No outward sexual dimorphism. Good tankmates include loaches and catfish.
What fish can be kept with kissing gourami?
Kissing gourami is a fairly large kind of gourami. The article contains a detailed description of fish, keeping, feeding, compatibility, breeding. Photo and video. Although they can be kept in a community tank with medium size fish, owners should observe them closely to ensure they are not bullying others. Potential tankmates may include loaches, barbs, large tetras, some types of cichlids, and some catfish. They are semi-aggressive fish, meaning they will occasionally harass their tank mates but rarely to death. The more another fish looks like a Kissing Gourami in size, color, or behavior, the more likely the Kisser is to pick at it. Keeping them with highly dissimilar fish is the best way to keep everyone happy. Or fish that are equally aggressive. Kissing Fish are fairly large as adults and will reach 10 to 12 inches in size. So a 55 gallon aquarium is an absolute minimum, with 75 gallons being much better for them.
The most identifying feature of the kissing gourami is its mouth. Rather than a forward-facing or upward-facing mouth, kisser fish have a mouth that protrudes forward. These fish are equipped with additional joints in their jaw. The joints provide greater dexterity and movement. The joints let the fish open its mouth wide to take in more food and nutrients. By understanding the nature of gouramis, their compatibility with other fish species, and implementing the necessary steps for a successful aquarium setup, you can create a harmonious and thriving tank with these captivating fish. Helostoma temminckii is commonly known as the kissing gourami, kissing fish, or kissers. These fish are actually the only gourami species listed under the Helostomatidae family.
Kissing gourami reach a maximum of 30 cm (12 in) in total length. There is no outward sexual dimorphism and is difficult to almost impossible to distinguish the sexes. Angelfish and Gouramis can live together and usually get along quite nicely. They have similar tank requirements and diets. Like most ornamental fishes, kissing fish also has a sense of territory. When they kiss, it means they are fighting with each other. Besides, the jagged mouth weapon is only suitable for the same kind of kissing fishes. The Kissing gourami’s mouth is what sets it apart from other gouramis and is where the fish gets its common name. The gourami’s lips are fleshy and thick and lined with fine teeth. The fish press their lips against aquarium surfaces, decorations, and plants to feed on debris and algae. Kissing gouramis can grow to be pretty large fish, so you need to keep them in a tank of at least 75 gallons. You’ll need to add an extra gallon of water per inch of fish if you add more stock to your tank. Because these fish are labyrinth breathers and surface feeders, they need constant access to the surface.