Kissing Gourami

Kissing Gourami key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

5-7 years

Size

20-30cm

Temperature

22〜30℃

Diet

Fine particulate dried foods, vegetable matter, algae

Tank

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.

Water Temperature & Quality

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.

Tank Mates

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. Wikipedia notes it is territorial and harasses fish of similar size. It is not gregarious except as a juvenile.

Diet & Feeding

A filter feeder. Offer fine particulate dried foods and vegetable matter and avoid large items. It grazes algae from tank surfaces continuously.

Breeding & Spawning

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.

Health & Notes

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. Wikipedia gives an average lifespan of 5-7 years, noting that individuals can live much longer.

About Kissing Gourami

The Kissing Gourami is a large gourami known for its lip-locking display. A filter feeder that also grazes algae, it grows to 20–30 cm. Learn about its care level, lifespan, and traits.

7 things to know before welcoming a Kissing Gourami

1. 1Needs a Large Tank

   Adults reach 20 to 30 cm, so this large fish needs a spaciously sized tank to swim comfortably. Plan for its full adult size before you bring one home, and it will thank you with a long, healthy life.

2. 2A Filter Feeder & Algae Grazer

   This fish filters tiny particles from the water using fine gill rakers and also scrapes algae off driftwood and glass with its mouth. That makes it a helpful natural algae grazer in the aquarium.

3. 3The 'Kiss' Is a Power Struggle

   The lip-pressing behavior that gives this fish its name isn't affection — it's thought to be a form of territorial sparring or a test of strength between individuals. Watch how tankmates interact and judge compatibility from there.

4. 4Best for Intermediate Keepers

   This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers. It's a good fit once you're comfortable with water quality management and the extra care large fish require.

5. 5Lifespan of 5-7 Years

   Kissing Gouramis typically live 5 to 7 years, so they're a long-term commitment. Make sure you can provide a stable home for the whole of that time before bringing one in.

6. 6Choose Tankmates Carefully

   Because it grows large and can show territorial behavior, choose tankmates carefully in terms of both size and temperament. Watch closely when combining it with other Kissing Gouramis or smaller fish.

7. 7Feed a Balanced Diet

   While it does graze on algae, that alone isn't enough to meet its nutritional needs. Offer prepared foods and vegetables too, to keep its diet balanced.

Frequently asked questions about Kissing Gourami

Q.How big a tank does a Kissing Gourami need?

A.Adults reach 20 to 30 cm, so a spacious tank is best suited to this large fish. It's wise to set up a bigger tank early on, anticipating its full-grown size.

Q.Why is it called a "Kissing" Gourami?

A.The name comes from its distinctive habit of pressing its thick lips together with other individuals. Rather than a display of affection, this is thought to be a form of territorial sparring or a test of strength.

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.Community keeping is possible, but as it grows large and can become territorial, tankmate size and temperament need careful consideration. Watch how they interact and adjust as needed.

Q.Is this fish suitable for beginners?

A.It's generally considered a fish for intermediate keepers. It's best to wait until you're comfortable with water quality management and caring for large fish before bringing one home.

Q.What should I feed a Kissing Gourami?

A.It's a filter feeder that also grazes on particles and algae in the water, but that alone won't provide balanced nutrition. Offer prepared foods and vegetables as well for a well-rounded diet.

Useful tools for Kissing Gourami care

Learn more about Kissing Gourami in the encyclopedia

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