Species Profile
Kissing Gourami
Helostoma temminckii
Anabantoidssemi-aggressive
Adult size
12″
Minimum tank
75 gal
Temperature
72–82°F
pH
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 'kiss' is actually a territorial mouth-locking display between rival males. Grows to a foot, needs 75gal+ long-term despite being sold at 2″. Eats soft plants; pair with anubias or artificial decor.
Compatible Tankmates
Best tank mates for Kissing Gourami
Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Kissing Gouramiin a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.
Cardinal Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Rummynose Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Harlequin Rasbora
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Zebra Danio
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Fancy Guppy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Platy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Molly
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Swordtail
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Male Betta
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Dwarf Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Honey Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Pearl Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Photo: Matthew1968 / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-SA-3.0