Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: No

General Description: The Pink Kissing Gourami is a selectively bred leucistic color form from the brown wild-type Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminkii), which is found widely throughout southeast Asia. One of the most well recognized gouramis, hobbyists should take into account the large adult size [9 to 10 inches] and long lifespan [approximately 15 to 20 years] of a Pink kissing gourami before considering one for their aquarium. Often sold as mere youngsters at a few inches in length, the Pink kissing gourami will not be suitable for the typical community aquarium due to its size and somewhat belligerent temperament as an adult. Juveniles do not mind being kept together, but attempting to mix more adult specimens can be difficult. If you’re interested in multiple Pink kissing gouramis, it is best to add a group of juvenile individuals all at once for the best chance of success. Their diagnostic “kissing” behavior is not fully understood, but is thought to be part of establishing social dominance and territorial boundaries. There are no clear differences between male and female Pink kissing gouramis.

Diet Requirements: Kissing gouramis are filter feeders, always appearing to be “mouthing” into the water column. This motion draws water into its mouth in order to extract microorganisms and algae. Despite these specialized feeding behaviors, Pink kissing gouramis have adapted quite well to accepting certain prepared foods. These should include softer items such as high quality flake foods, tubifex worms and frozen brine shrimp or bloodworms. Their diet should include a high proportion of vegetable-based items or Spirulina algae. Avoid foods that are large or would otherwise require crushing/chewing, as Pink kissing gouramis do not have teeth to be able to do so. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. Kissing gouramis are notorious for becoming greedy and will often learn to “beg” for food, but feeding only once a day should be exercised.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single juvenile Pink kissing gourami. A small group will require a larger aquarium to allow room for each individual to grow and have their own space. A more adult specimen will need an aquarium no less than 75 gallons. Pink kissing gouramis are not nearly as hardy as some of their closely-related counterparts. A Pink kissing gourami should not be put into a biologically immature aquarium, nor should it be added too prematurely into the aquarium as to avoid potential issues with more docile newcomers later on. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 20 ppm) as Pink kissing gouramis do not like high nitrates and deteriorating water parameters. Equipping the aquarium with a canister filter, or a sump system, is recommended to maintain a healthier environment for this species and combat the amount of waste it produces as an adult. Water flow output should not be overly strong, however. Pink kissing gouramis are relatively indifferent to aquarium decor because adults need a lot of unobstructed and open swimming space. Some stacked rocks, driftwood and other natural looking arrangements will bring out the beauty of this fish and provide it with surfaces to graze biofilm off of. A Pink kissing gourami should be the only labyrinth fish and gourami species in the aquarium. Compatible tank mates for a Pink kissing gourami include, but are not limited to, Giant Danios, some barbs, larger Characins (tetras), some South American cichlids and larger catfish or loach species. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 5-20, pH 6.0-8.0.

Purchase Size: Small: 2-1/4” to 2-1/2”, Medium: 2-3/4” to 3”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.