Kissing gouramis, or Helostoma temminkii, are a beautiful and fascinating species of freshwater fish that are popular among aquarium enthusiasts. With their unique mouth and behavior, they have captured the hearts of many fish lovers.
In this article, we will delve into the world of kissing gouramis, exploring their appearance, size, care, potential diseases, behavior, tank mates, and much more. Species Summary:
The kissing gourami species originate from Southeast Asia, and they are part of the labyrinth fish family.
They have a distinctive mouth with two pairs of lips, which gives them their name. Their dorsal fin and anal fin are long, and their coloration is mainly silver with hints of pink, brown, and green.
Kissing gouramis in captivity can grow to an average size of 12-14 inches, while in the wild, they can grow up to 20 inches. Appearance:
Kissing gouramis are beautiful fish that stand out in any aquarium.
They have a slender body with a round head, and their unique mouth set them apart from other freshwater species. Their dorsal and anal fins are long and prominent, giving them a majestic look.
Their coloration varies depending on their environment, with silver being their base color. In some lighting conditions, they may have hints of pink, brown, and green.
Kissing gouramis are also known to change colors when they are stressed or excited. Average Kissing Gourami Size:
Kissing gouramis in captivity can grow up to 12-14 inches, while those in the wild can reach up to 20 inches in length.
As with all fish, size can vary depending on their environment and diet. Kissing Gourami Care:
Tank Size:
Kissing gouramis need a tank size of at least 50 gallons, with more room being better.
They are territorial fish that require ample swimming space and hiding spots to feel secure. Too small a tank can cause stress, aggression and increase susceptibility to diseases.
Water Parameters:
Kissing gouramis thrive in slow-moving ponds with plants. Therefore, their aquarium should be set up to recreate their natural habitat.
The ideal water temperature for the species is 75-81F, with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. They also prefer a moderate flow of water, which can be achieved by using an air pump and a filter. Setting Up The Rest of Their Tank:
In addition to the right water parameters, it’s essential to set up the rest of their aquarium correctly.
Kissing gouramis need plants, substrate, rocks, and driftwood to hide and be secure in their environment. The plants should also help in providing hiding spots, while the rocks should create caves and crevices to swim through.
Potential Diseases:
Kissing gouramis are at risk of various freshwater diseases like Ich, fungal problems, hole in the head disease, parasitic algae, among others. These diseases can be prevented by maintaining the right water parameters, feeding a balanced diet, and regular water changes.
If any symptoms arise, prompt treatment is necessary. Food & Diet:
Kissing gouramis are omnivores, and they feed on algae, gill rakers, dry flakes, and protein.
A balanced diet is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Live food like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia can also be included in their diet.
Feeding should be done in moderation to avoid overfeeding, which can cause health problems. Behavior & Temperament:
Kissing gouramis are semi-aggressive fish that can be territorial and bully smaller and weaker species.
They display a unique behavior of “kissing” in which two gouramis lock lips and push against each other. This behavior is mainly territorial and displays a sign of dominance.
Kissing gouramis are also known to ram other fish. Kissing Gourami Tank Mates:
Choosing the right tank mates can be challenging for kissing gouramis, given their semi-aggressive and territorial nature.
Some compatible species include other kissing gouramis, angelfish, barbs, and cichlids. Avoid small and weak species and gouramis of the same type.
Conclusion:
Kissing gouramis are a fantastic addition to any aquarium. Their unique appearance, behavior, and temperament make them stand out among other freshwater species.
Providing the right tank size, water parameters, food, and tank mates are all critical in their care. With proper attention and care, kissing gouramis can thrive and live a healthy and happy life.
Breeding Kissing Gourami:
If you’re interested in breeding kissing gourami, there are a few things to consider. Breeding tank setup, temperature, soft water, conditioning, mating ritual, egg sac, and fry are all essential factors.
Breeding Tank:
To breed kissing gourami, they need a separate breeding tank. The tank should be at least 20 gallons, planted, and equipped with a sponge filter.
A substrate of river pebbles or sand should be used for the bottom of the tank. The kissing gouramis should be conditioned for a few weeks before breeding.
Temperature & Soft Water:
The ideal temperature for breeding kissing gourami is around 82F. It’s essential to maintain the right water conditions, including a pH of 6.0-7.0 and soft water.
Soft water is crucial as the species is known to spawn in soft water conditions. Conditioning:
Before breeding, it is essential to condition the kissing gourami by feeding them high-quality foods like live and frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
This conditioning period should last about four weeks to prepare the fish for breeding. Mating Ritual:
The kissing gourami mating ritual is unique and fascinating.
The male and female will engage in a courting process, which involves the male chasing and nipping the female to show dominance. Once the female accepts the male, they will lock lips and swim together in a circular motion.
During this time, the female will release her eggs, which the male fertilizes. Egg Sac & Fry:
Once the eggs are fertilized, the female will carry them in her mouth in an egg sac for up to two weeks.
It’s crucial during this time to provide the female with ample hiding spots for safety. When the fry hatch, they should be fed small amounts of brine shrimp and micro worms.
The fry will become free-swimming within a week or so, and at that point, they should be transferred to a separate fry tank. Benefits of owning Kissing Gourami:
Owning kissing gourami comes with various benefits.
Firstly, their unique appearance and coloration make for a beautiful addition to any aquarium. Their high activity levels also make them an entertaining species to watch.
Additionally, with proper care, kissing gourami can live for up to 10 years, making them a long-lasting companion in your aquarium. In conclusion, breeding kissing gourami requires patience and dedication, but the results are incredibly rewarding.
With the right breeding tank setup, water conditions, conditioning, and knowledge of their mating ritual and fry care, the experience can be exciting. Owning kissing gouramis is also a unique and beautiful addition to any aquarium, providing entertainment and beauty for years to come.
In conclusion, kissing gourami fish are unique and fascinating creatures that require special care to thrive. Their appearance, behavior, and temperament make them an excellent addition to any aquarium, but it’s vital to provide them with the right habitat, food, and tank mates.
Breeding kissing gourami requires patience and knowledge of their courting rituals and fry care, but the results are incredibly rewarding. Overall, owning kissing gouramis is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and entertainment of these wonderful fish while providing them with a long and healthy life.