Kissing Gourami
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| Common name | Kissing gourami, Kissing fish |
| Scientific name | Helostoma temminkii |
| Synonyms | |
| Size | Up to 12" (30cm), but usually much smaller (around 6"/15cm). |
| Origin | Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Java |
| Tank setup | A larger 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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