Kissing gourami (Helostoma temminkii)

Helostoma temminkii, also known as the kissing gourami, is an interesting fish that can bring some charm and mystery to any aquarium. Fish aficionados love this freshwater species because of its remarkable look and unusual behavior. Its peculiar habit of pressing its lips together in a manner akin to kissing gave rise to its name, which makes it stand out in any tank.

Originating in Southeast Asia, these fish are suited for slow-moving environments such as ponds and swamps. Kissing gouramis require plenty of room in the aquarium to swim and explore because they can get pretty big. Their bodies can be a stunning addition to a well-planned aquatic environment because they are frequently a lovely pink or grayish color.

A fascinating feature of gourami kissing is their social behavior. They can occasionally interact playfully with their tank mates and have a tendency to be highly active. They can be a little territorial, though, so it’s crucial to pick your tank companions wisely and give them plenty of space to prevent confrontations.

Kissing gouramis can be a fun and interesting addition to your aquarium if given the proper care. When it comes to tank setup and water parameters, they have particular requirements, but these fish are well worth the work if you give them some thought. The kissing gourami will captivate your attention and brighten your tank whether you’re an experienced aquarist or a beginner.

Common Name Kissing Gourami
Scientific Name Helostoma temminkii
Origin Southeast Asia
Size Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
Water Conditions Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C), pH: 6.0-8.0
Tank Size Minimum 30 gallons
Diet Omnivorous; includes flakes, pellets, and live or frozen food
Behavior Generally peaceful, may show aggression during feeding
Tank Mates Good with other non-aggressive fish
Special Features Known for their unique "kissing" behavior

Habitat and range

Asia: from Indonesia to Thailand.

Originally described from Java, Indonesia, it is now thought to be distributed throughout the Malay Archipelago and much of southern Indochina, including Peninsular Malaysia, the greater Sunda Islands of Borneo (where they are bounded by the West and South Zones of Sarawak and Kalimantan), Sumatra, Vietnam (Dong Nai River basin), Cambodia (Mekong), Thailand (Mekong, Chao Phraya, Tapi), and Cambodia.

It’s unclear how far humans have expanded and altered the range mentioned above. It is a well-liked food fish that was brought from wild populations to aquaculture in a number of nations. It is still found in some places, including Florida in the United States.

This species lives in ditches in rice fields, artificial and natural ponds, slow-moving rivers, and floodplain lakes, oxbow lakes, backwaters, and swamps with an abundance of vegetation.

Description

The body is tall, elongated, and compressed from the sides. Similar to the ventral fins, the dorsal and anal fins are long and slender, with sharp rays on both. The tail features a tiny notch and rounded ends.

Large eyes, a small, slightly upward-extended mouth with distinctively fleshy lips, and small teeth that are used to scrape off algae fouling are present.

The origin of the body color determines its color. The color of gourami that is imported from Thailand is gray-green. Yellowish-colored people are less common. There are very faint longitudinal strokes on the sides. The fins range in color from greenish to gray-yellow. Two dark, vertical stripes adorn the gill cover.

Though it is a selective form of leucistic, the pink form of this species is one of the most common in the aquarium trade worldwide. It is not found in nature.

Another popular style is the "balloon," but these typically don’t last as long. Another, less common variety is "piebald," which has partial pigmentation; however, wild, grayish-green hues are seldom seen for sale.

Size:

The maximum standard length in nature is between 250 and 300 mm, but it is typically shorter in aquariums.

Behavior and compatibility

Purchasing juvenile fish is worthwhile when keeping them in an aquarium; better yet, purchase a pair of fish because the stronger fish will always take advantage of the weaker one. In a group of two to three females for every male, they feel more at ease.

Suitable with all calm species of comparable size. They frequently work things out with family members instead of acting aggressively toward other fish.

Outstanding at clearing algae from ornamental objects and consuming hydra.

Aquarium

An aquarium that is at least 150 by 45 cm in basic dimensions is necessary for long-term maintenance. It should also always have a lid that will keep the air warm and humid and stop fish from unintentionally jumping out.

It is ideal to have aquarium plants, especially the hard-leaved, non-edible varieties such as Thai fern, java moss, echinodorus, and cryptocorynes, as well as floating species.

The aquarium can be decorated with large stones and driftwood placed on a bed of river sand or small pebbles. Although there are no specific lighting requirements, you should still avoid making the room too bright to avoid causing them undue stress.

Water parameters:

Temperature range: 22–30 °C pH range: 6.0 to 8.0 Intensity: 5–19 °DGH

Effective filtration is required in order to prevent excessive flow or turbulence. Given the volume of waste produced by adults, weekly water changes of 30 to 50% of the aquarium’s volume ought to be mandated.

Nutrition

Omnivores: they consume all kinds of food, but they especially like frozen and live foods like brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia, and tubifex. Dry foods with a high percentage of plant-based ingredients, like spirulina or something similar, should be a part of the diet. Cucumber slices, scalded lettuce, cabbage, and spinach leaves work well too.

Sexual Dimorphism

There aren’t any noticeable exterior variations. During the spawning season, males have bright colors, a pointed dorsal fin, a convex forehead, and females are plump.

They reach sexual maturity between the ages of 1.5 and 2 years, or maybe when they grow to a length of 120 to 150 mm.

For aquarium enthusiasts, the kissing gourami, or Helostoma temminkii, is a popular choice because of its eye-catching colors and unusual, puckering mouth. This fish, which is native to Southeast Asia, is visually arresting in addition to having interesting habits and social requirements that can make caring for them both rewarding and difficult. In order to create a vibrant aquarium environment that allows these endearing fish to flourish, it is essential to understand their preferences for habitat, diet, and social interactions.

Breeding

One of the rare species of labyrinth fish that doesn’t care about its young.

Feed them generously a few weeks prior to the anticipated spawning. You will need a 100-liter container with dense vegetation, including floating species, for your spawning tank. It’s not required to have soil. To help them feel more at ease, it is best to close the front wall. One can sprout in a group or in a pair. stimulated by adding soft water and raising the temperature by a few degrees.

The spawning aquarium’s water parameters are 26–30°C, dH up to 10, and pH roughly 7.

"Kisses" signal the beginning of their roughly three-hour spawning period, which occurs mostly in the evening or at night.

The male hugs the back half of the female"s body, which begins to spawn transparent amber-colored eggs (up to several thousand), rising to the surface or sticking to the leaves of plants. Then the parents are removed, and the water level in the spawning tank is reduced to 10 cm, weak aeration and filtration should be provided. The eggs are incubated for about 24-36 hours, after another 48 hours the fry are able to swim and take starter food – rotifers and ciliates. At the age of one week, Artemia nauplii and dry food are added to their diet. During this period, the fry begin to exhibit behavior that is unusual for adults – swimming in a school. This will happen until the formation of their labyrinth.

It has been reported that they have a 20-year lifespan.

With its eye-catching appearance and unusual behavior, the Kissing Gourami can add charm to any home aquarium. This fish, which is well-known for its amusing "kissing" motions amongst individuals, is visually appealing and exhibits fascinating behavior. Aquarium enthusiasts love it for its gentle nature and vibrant colors.

Although taking care of Kissing Gouramis is not too difficult, it is crucial to take into account their unique requirements. They flourish in clean, roomy aquariums that are fed a well-balanced diet. They can thrive in a variety of setups due to their adaptability to different water conditions, but larger tanks are ideal for them so they can comfortably display their natural behaviors.

All things considered, the Kissing Gourami is unquestionably something to think about if you’re trying to give your aquarium a little personality and charm. This fish can be a fun and striking focal point in your aquatic ecosystem given the correct conditions. Your aquarium hobby may become even more interesting and enjoyable as a result of its distinctive qualities and captivating behavior.

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Anton Popov

A professional aquarist with over 15 years of experience. Main specialization - marine aquariums and creating optimal conditions for keeping rare species of fish and corals. I am fond of aquascaping, actively participate in international competitions. I love to share knowledge and experience to help others create the beauty of the underwater world at home.

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