Species Profile

Kissing Gourami

Helostoma temminckii

Anabantoidssemi-aggressive

Adult size

12″

Minimum tank

75 gal

Temperature

72–82°F

6–8

Schooling

Solitary OK

Water level

mid

Grows from juvenile

Typically sold at ~2″ and reaches 12″ over ~2 years. Plan tank size for the adult, not the fish at purchase.

Diet

Flake, pellets, blanched veggies

Notes

The famous 'kissing' is actually a territorial mouth-locking display. Grows to a foot — needs a big tank.

Photo: Matthew1968 / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-SA-3.0