Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
Photos © Sean Evans
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| Common name: | Kissing gourami, Kissing fish |
| Scientific name: | Helostoma temminkii |
| Synonyms: | (none) |
| Size: | Up to 12" (30cm), but usually much smaller (around 6"/15cm). |
| Origin: | Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Java |
| Tank setup: | A larger community tank with robust plants and plenty of open swimming space. |
| Compatibility: | Community, but can be territorial. |
| Temperature: | 22-30oC (72-86oF) |
| Water chemistry: | Not critical: soft to very hard, pH 6.5-8.5 |
| Feeding: | Omnivorous, most foods accepted, include vegetable matter. |
| Sexing: | The sexes are virtually impossible to distinguish. |
| Breeding: | Higher end of the temperature range required for breeding. May build
a bubblenest, there is no brood care. Eggs hatch in around 24 hours. |
| Comments: |
The mouth-locking which gives rise to the common name is actually contests of strength between
males, but no damage is usually done. A golden colour variety is also available. The natural colour
is greenish-grey.
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