Kissing Gourami - Helostoma temminckii

Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii)

The Kissing Gourami, Helostoma temminckii, is a distinctive Southeast Asian labyrinth fish known for its thick puckered lips and famous “kissing” behaviour. Despite the name, this behaviour is not affection; it is usually linked to dominance, territorial testing, grazing or social interaction. Often sold small, the Kissing Gourami can grow into a large, powerful fish that needs a spacious aquarium, robust tank mates, open surface access and a keeper prepared for its adult size.

Common Name:
Kissing Gourami, Kisser Fish, Pink Kissing Gourami, Green Kissing Gourami, Kissing Fish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Helostoma temminckii

Maximum Size:
Up to around 30 cm. Aquarium specimens may remain smaller, but they should still be planned for as large adult fish.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to Southeast Asia, from Thailand through the Malay Archipelago. In the wild, Kissing Gouramis occur in lakes, rivers and slow-moving waters with thick vegetation. They are air-breathing labyrinth fish and naturally graze on plant and animal matter, including green algae, zooplankton and aquatic insects near the surface.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH Range: 6.0–8.0
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; adaptable, but best in stable, clean, well-filtered water.

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive. Young Kissing Gouramis may appear peaceful, but adults can become territorial, pushy and rough with smaller or more delicate fish. Their “kissing” behaviour can be a test of strength, and they may also rasp surfaces or harass slower tank mates.

Diet:
Omnivorous grazer and filter-feeder. Offer quality pellets, large flakes, spirulina flakes, algae wafers, blanched courgette, peas, spinach or lettuce, plus frozen daphnia, brineshrimp, bloodworm and other small meaty foods. Plant-based foods are important, and soft-leaved aquarium plants may be eaten.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 300 litres is recommended for a single adult, with larger aquariums strongly preferred. FishBase aquarium guidance notes that this species is not ideal for typical home aquariums and gives a minimum aquarium length of 150 cm, reflecting its adult size and activity level.

Behaviour & Activity:
A steady mid-water to upper-level fish that spends time grazing surfaces, browsing plants and interacting with tank mates. It regularly rises to the surface to breathe atmospheric air, so clear surface access is essential. Adults can be strong and persistent fish, and they may dominate feeding areas or push around weaker tank mates.

Aquarium Category:
Semi-Aggressive
Suitable tank mates include robust barbs, larger peaceful cichlids, medium to large gouramis, sturdy catfish, larger rainbowfish and other confident fish that enjoy similar water conditions. Avoid small tetras, tiny rasboras, delicate long-finned fish, slow feeders, timid species and any fish likely to be bullied or rasped.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Do not buy this species for a small community aquarium. Provide strong filtration, regular water changes, open swimming space, sturdy decor and hardy plants such as Java fern or Anubias if using live plants. Always leave open access to the surface, as this labyrinth fish breathes air. A secure lid is recommended, with a warm air layer above the water where possible. Avoid overcrowding, as adult Kissing Gouramis can become dominant.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common to occasional in trade / Usually captive-bred or farmed

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.