Overview
The Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii) is a intermediate freshwater species known for its pink-white (also green) coloration. Lip-locking is aggression display. Mid.
Origin & Appearance
Origin: Southeast Asia.
Colors: Pink-White (also Green).
Body Shape: Moderately Compressed (oval-flat). Typical adult dimensions: 30.0 x 4.5 x 13.5.
Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal; very hard to sex.
Tank & Water Requirements
| Min Tank Size | 79 gallons |
| Temperature | 72–82°F |
| pH Range | 6.5–8 |
| Water Hardness (GH) | 5-15 |
| Bioload | high |
| Oxygen Demand | medium |
| Plant Safe | mostly |
| Aquarium Position | Mid |
Behavior & Activity
Mid-level swimmer; characteristic lip-locking combat between rivals; grazes algae from surfaces with protruding lips
Speed: 35/100Aggression: 4/10diurnalSchooling (6+)
Breeding
Difficult; egg scatterer; no parental care
Common Diseases
💊 Ich
Expert Notes
Lip-locking is aggression display