Kissing Gourami
Helostoma temminckii
What you need to keep a Kissing Gourami
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pH
6.5–8
Temperature
22–28 °C
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
Known for their unique 'kissing' behavior, which is actually a form of territorial dispute, the Kissing Gourami grows quite large. They have thick lips adapted for scraping algae and microorganisms from surfaces. They can be aggressive towards other fish and require a large tank.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Kissing Gourami healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Kissing Gourami's adult size and activity level. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6.5–8 and 22–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Omnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Semi-aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Kissing Gourami last so territories reset.
Breeding
Breeding success with Kissing Gourami depends on the line and water chemistry; ask your shop about proven pairs.
Settling this fish in?
Condition the tap water, seed the filter, test through the first weeks — most early losses trace back to one of those.
10% off your first order, no code, at checkout
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
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Market intelligence
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Price history — last 90 days
SA price range this month: R125–125 · Average: R125
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