{"product_id":"marbled-kissing-gourami-helostoma-temminckii","title":"Marbled Kissing Gourami - Helostoma temminckii","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarbled Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Marbled Kissing Gourami, Helostoma temminckii, is a selectively bred colour form of the Kissing Gourami, known for its pale pink, cream, silver or mottled marbled pattern and its distinctive thick “kissing” lips. This famous behaviour is not affection; it is usually a test of strength, grazing action or territorial interaction. Although often sold small, this is a large, long-lived and powerful labyrinth fish that needs a spacious aquarium, robust tank mates and a keeper prepared for its adult size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarbled Kissing Gourami, Kissing Gourami, Kisser Fish, Pink Kissing Gourami, Marbled Kisser, Kissing Fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHelostoma temminckii\u003cbr\u003eCaptive-bred marbled colour form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003eUp to around 30 cm in the wild. Aquarium specimens are often smaller, but they should still be planned for as large fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe marbled form is captive-bred and does not occur as a natural wild population. The wild Kissing Gourami is native to tropical Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Indonesia, including slow-moving lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and heavily vegetated waters. It is an air-breathing labyrinth fish and naturally grazes on algae, plankton and small aquatic foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTemperature: 22–28°C\u003cbr\u003epH Range: 6.0–8.0\u003cbr\u003eHardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; adaptable, but best in stable, clean, well-filtered water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSemi-aggressive. Young Kissing Gouramis may appear peaceful, but adults can become territorial, pushy and rough with smaller or more delicate tank mates. The “kissing” behaviour is often dominance testing, and individuals may also rasp or harass other fish. Best kept with robust, similarly sized community fish rather than tiny, timid or long-finned species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOmnivorous grazer and filter-feeder. Offer quality pellets, large flakes, spirulina flakes, algae wafers, blanched courgette, peas, lettuce or spinach, plus frozen daphnia, brineshrimp, bloodworm and other small meaty foods. Plant-based foods are important, and soft-leaved aquarium plants may be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA minimum of 300 litres is recommended for a single adult, with larger aquariums strongly preferred. This species needs swimming space, mature filtration and enough room to reduce territorial pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA steady mid-water to upper-level swimmer 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 may rearrange softer plants or dominate feeding areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Category\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSemi-Aggressive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSuitable 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, very shy species and any fish likely to be bullied or rasped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDo not buy this species for a small community aquarium. Provide strong filtration, regular water changes, open swimming room and sturdy decor. Use hardy plants such as Java fern or Anubias, or expect softer plants to be grazed. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIntermediate fishkeepers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOccasional in trade \/ Captive-bred colour form\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":46133933015213,"sku":"AG-103594","price":3.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":46133933047981,"sku":"AG-103595","price":4.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":46133933080749,"sku":"AG-103596","price":6.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/FlagtailedPandaCorydoras-Hoplisomaoiapoquensis_3.jpg?v=1781793077","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/marbled-kissing-gourami-helostoma-temminckii","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}