Pink Kissing Gourami
Scientific Name: Helostoma rudolfi / Helostoma temminckii
Recommended Aquarium: 50+ Gallons
pH: 6.5-8.5
dH: 5-25
Temperature: 71-82 °F
Approx. Adult Size: 12 inches ( 6 inches more common)
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Ease of Care: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Breeding Style: Floating Egg Scatterer.
There are some sources that say the Pink Kissing Gourami and the Green Kissing Gourami were thought to be simply color morphs of the same species, Helostoma temminckii. It has also been suggested that the Pink Kissing Gourami is actually Helostoma rudolfi. I have included both in this page.
One of the most fascinating features of this fish, and what often encourages those browsing through a pet shop to purchase them, is thier "Kissing" behavior. This is actually a form of mouth-wrestling, a practice also known in certain Cichlid species. When these fish "kiss," what they're actually doing is a test of strength with one another. They're a bit territorial this way. There are some that also believe the "kissing" happens during courting behavior, although it's not certain if this is directly related or just a coincidental behavior while choosing a mate. While the kissing generally doesn't hurt them, there are times when it can go too far. While it is very rare, you'll need to inspect your fish regularly in the event that they become wounded and/or develop a bacterial infection due to a wound.
These fish have tiny teeth along their lips used for rasping and grasping, and as they are excellent hunters, are likely to chase and possibly eat fish small enough to fit inside of their mouths. If they can't eat the other fish, they may have a tendency to bully them. They are best kept with similar sized or larger fish.
The funnel-shaped large mouth of this fish is not just good for kissing! They are inquisitive diggers, and can be found playing with the substrate. Be careful not to have too many heavy ornaments in your tank unless they are well-secured. Plants are going to be very important to this Gourami, so instead of avoiding them, try to make sure they're securely planted. Pea gravel around the plants can help keep the fish from digging up the roots on live plants, and with artificial plants you just have to bury the bases a little deeper.
In addition to digging, they also enjoy grazing on algae in the tank. If you don't scrape all the algae out of your tank, they'll treat it as a salad bar. This is actually good for them, so don't be afraid of a little algae as long as it doesn't block your view or color your water.
Like other Gourami species, Pink Kissing Gourami are Anabantoids, or "Labyrinth Fish." They have a specially developed secondary breathing organ that allows them to breathe surface air as well as processing dissolved oxygen through their gills. This allows the fish to survive in low-dissolved oxygen conditions, making it a very hardy fish. Gourami, Betta, and Paradise fish are all Anabantoidei.
Unlike other Anabantoids, they are not bubble-nest builders when it comes to breeding. The courting dance occurs underneath floating plants. The eggs are expelled, fertilized, and as the eggs are a lower density, they float up to the safety of the plants on the surface. Then, the parents go about their business as if nothing had happened. In about a day or so, the eggs will hatch, and within a few days after that, the fry become free-swimming.
(If you don't have floating plants, you can always float some greens, lettuce, cabbage, use plastic or silk floating plants, or just uproot a regular plastic plant and let it float in the water. I recommend using greens, cabbage, or lettuce because it will decompose in the water and create an excellent food source for the fry. Just be sure to keep on top of your water quality!)
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