Family: Helostomatidae
Distribution: The Kissing Gourami prefers slow-moving bodies of water with high vegetation (ponds or marshes). They can be found in Thailand, Java, the Malay Peninsula, Cambodia, Indonesia, Borneo and Sumatra.
PH: 6 – 8.8 pH
Temperature: 22 – 28 °C (72 – 82°F)
Hardness: 5 – 19 dH
Description: The two common names derive from (obviously) the two variations of colour and this species’ mouths. In the wild, Helostoma temminkii is grey-green; however, they are pink when bred in captivity. The former also display horizontal stripes and have dark fins, whilst the later have transparent fins. Their mouths have thick lips (making the fish appear to be pouting or “kissing”) with very fine teeth inside.
The body of Helostoma temminkii is elongated and flat, although rounded. It has a labyrinth organ, meaning it is able to take in atmospheric oxygen directly into the bloodstream. They require ample surface area so they can regulate their oxygen intake. The dorsal fins and anal fins of the Kissing Gourami are long and will actually measure the same length. The pectoral fins are enlarged; and their caudal fin is concaved. There are no distinguishable sex differences, until they are breeding.
Individual Helostoma temminkii will demonstrate varying degrees of aggression. Whilst they are suitable community tank fish when young, as they mature they can become more territorial. It is best to keep them with species of a similar size. The males may challenge one another to determine ‘top dog’ (or ‘top fish’, in this case).
Diet: Kissing Gouramis are extremely easy to feed. They are omnivourous and will happily exist on a diet of high-quality flakes or pellets as well as some live foods such as brine shrimp or worms. They may also accept vegetables.
Breeding: As long as your community tank does not include species that are cannibalistic, you may not need a separate breeding tank. They like floating plants. The eggs laid are lighter than the water and thus will float to the surface where they are almost always ignored by the parents. They will hatch within a day and two days later the fry are happily swimming around.
Comments: Helostoma temminkii are a particularly hardy fish and can be kept by anyone with time and enthusiasm. It is recommended that the water should be changed weekly (approximately 25% per week) in order to keep good water conditions.
They also appreciate some plants within a large tank. In a community set up, this will allow harassed fish a place to hide, as well.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Try your Gourami with large species with a range of personalities. Keep an eye on how they interact and do not use any fish that will provoke aggression as Helostoma temminkii will fight back. They should live happily with Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They also should be good tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also should live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish could make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-04-17 21:37:33. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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