
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Helostoma temminckii
A large gourami named for the way two fish press their lips together. It is a filter feeder with very fine gill rakers that strains particles from the water and also rasps algae from wood and glass. It reaches 30cm and needs a large tank.
Helostoma temminckii is a freshwater fish of the family Helostomatidae ranging from Thailand to Indonesia. FishBase records 30cm total length while Seriously Fish gives 20-25cm standard length. It is a microphagous filter feeder with very fine gill rakers and moveable horny teeth on the lips, straining particles from the water and rasping algae from wood and glass; there are no teeth on the jaws or palate, so large items cannot be crushed. The kissing that gives it its name is a few seconds of mouth-to-mouth pressing with the jaws fully extended; it is thought to be mouth fighting, a ritualized form of intraspecific aggression. Aquarium conditions are 22-30C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 1-20dGH, with a 150 x 45cm base and roughly 304 litres as the practical minimum. It breathes air, so a gap must be left above the water. Spawning scatters buoyant eggs with no parental care and they hatch in 24-36 hours. Most traded fish are the pinkish-white leucistic form, which does not occur in the wild.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Kissing Gourami lives 5-7 years.
The Kissing Gourami grows to 20-30cm.
The ideal temperature for the Kissing Gourami is 22〜30℃.
Origin
Southeast Asia (Thailand to Indonesia)
Lifespan
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / Wikipedia
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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5-7 years
Size
20-30cm
Temperature
22〜30℃
Fine particulate dried foods, vegetable matter, algae
A 150 x 45cm base, about 304 litres, is the practical minimum. Leave plenty of open swimming space and include hard surfaces such as driftwood for grazing, plus an air gap above the water.
Seriously Fish gives 22-30C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 1-20dGH. FishBase records 22-28C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 5-19dH in the wild.
Suited to larger community tanks. It cannot prey on anything more than a few millimetres long, but becomes aggressive when space is limited, so similarly shaped fishes are best avoided. It is said to be territorial and to harass fish of similar size. It is not gregarious except as a juvenile.
A filter feeder. Offer fine particulate dried foods and vegetable matter and avoid large items. It grazes algae from tank surfaces continuously.
Unusually for an anabantoid it shows no parental care. A female scatters several thousand buoyant eggs among vegetation; they hatch in 24-36 hours and the fry are free-swimming after about another 48 hours. Aquarists rarely breed it.
Most traded fish are the pinkish-white leucistic form, which does not occur naturally. Short-bodied balloon varieties are also sold, but Seriously Fish advises against them because they are shorter-lived. The average lifespan is put at 5-7 years, though individuals can live much longer.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Kissing Gourami is 22〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Kissing Gourami is 5-7 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Kissing Gourami typically reaches 20-30cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Kissing Gourami feeds on: Fine particulate dried foods, vegetable matter, algae. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Kissing Gourami varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026