Pink Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii)

The Pink Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii) is a large, long-lived labyrinth fish with the famous puckered mouth and lip-locking behaviour that gives the species its common name. The behaviour looks affectionate, but it is usually social testing, grazing, dominance display or territory negotiation rather than a sign that the fish is gentle in every setup.

The size selector covers seven dispatch grades, from tiny juveniles through larger specimens. These size choices do not specify sex. The smaller sizes are tempting, but this is not a small community fish forever. A well-planned adult aquarium, robust tankmates, vegetable-led feeding and clean warm water are the real keys to success.

Quick Facts

Why This Fish Needs Planning

Pink Kissing Gouramis are often sold as small juveniles, but the adult fish is broad-bodied, active and powerful. FishBase records the species as an air-breathing gourami from slow-moving, thickly vegetated water, and UK hobby guidance treats it as hardy but quarrelsome. That combination means it can be rewarding in the right aquarium and frustrating in the wrong one.

Choose this fish if you want a characterful larger gourami that cruises the tank, grazes surfaces, interacts confidently and becomes a visible feature. Do not choose it for a delicate nano community, a shrimp aquarium, a small peaceful tank or a layout where the adult fish cannot turn and patrol comfortably.

Visual Setup Guide

Appearance

The pink form has a pale pink to silvery-pink body, semi-transparent fins and the unmistakable protruding mouth. The mouth is adapted for scraping algae and biofilm from surfaces, which is why diet and grazing opportunities matter. Juveniles look like miniature adults, but the adult body becomes deep, rounded and much more imposing.

The natural green/wild form exists, but the pink form is the one most familiar in the aquarium trade. Colour is usually at its best when the fish is settled, well fed and not constantly harassed by tankmates.

Water and Maintenance

Feeding

Feed this species like an omnivore with a strong grazing habit. Use spirulina flake, algae wafers, quality omnivore pellets and blanched vegetables such as courgette or spinach as the base. Add frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworm in measured amounts rather than making rich protein the whole diet.

Overfeeding is easy because these fish are enthusiastic. Feed controlled portions, remove leftovers and let some safe grazing surfaces remain available. A balanced diet supports body condition without turning the aquarium into a waste problem.

Behaviour and Compatibility

The famous kissing behaviour is usually a contest or social signal. It can be brief and harmless in a large tank, but in a cramped aquarium it is a sign that the fish do not have enough room to avoid each other. A single specimen is often simpler than a group unless the aquarium is genuinely large.

Size Options on This Product

The selector carries seven size options. Smaller juveniles need a carefully managed grow-out tank, while larger fish give a clearer idea of body shape and presence. In every case, buy for the adult fish, not only the size in the bag on delivery day.

Arrival and Settling In

Have the mature aquarium ready and read the Live Arrival Guarantee and receiving instructions before ordering. On arrival, keep lights low, acclimate patiently and avoid heavy feeding on the first day.

Helpful Links

• Compare the Three-Spot Gourami when deciding which gourami suits your aquarium. Compare each species’ adult size and care needs before choosing.
• Research the adult size, temperament and water needs of each proposed tankmate.
• Have suitable food ready for a vegetable-led diet and the arrival week.
• Arrange for someone to receive the fish on the confirmed delivery date.

Further Reading

• FishBase species record: slow-moving vegetated habitat, air-breathing, broad plant/animal diet and large-home-aquarium caution.
• Seriously Fish profile: slow or standing-water habitat, adult-size planning and husbandry cross-check.

FAQ

How big do Pink Kissing Gouramis get?

Plan for a large adult fish up to around 30 cm. The juvenile dispatch sizes are small, but the adult aquarium must be planned from the start.

Are they peaceful?

They are better described as bold and semi-aggressive. They can work with robust, similar-sized fish in a roomy aquarium, but they are not suitable for delicate nano communities.

Why do they kiss?

The lip-locking behaviour is usually a social or territorial display, not affection. It is more manageable when the aquarium is large and broken up with visual barriers.

What should I feed them?

Use a vegetable-led omnivore diet: spirulina foods, algae wafers, vegetable matter and measured frozen or live foods for variety.