Pink Kissing Gourami – Quirky, Colorful, and Full of Character
(Helostoma temminckii)

The Pink Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii) is a unique and charming freshwater fish known for its soft pink coloration and signature “kissing” behavior. This peaceful yet bold species is a longtime favorite in the aquarium hobby thanks to its personality, hardiness, and social habits. Its puckering lip motions—often seen during feeding or mild territorial displays—make it a fascinating addition to larger community tanks.

Key Features:

• Soft Pink Hue: The Pink Kissing Gourami sports a gentle, pearlescent pink body with a distinctive shape and expressive lips, creating a delicate yet eye-catching presence.

• Unique Behavior: Famous for their "kissing" action, which can be a form of social interaction, dominance display, or substrate grazing.

• Hardy and Long-Lived: With proper care, these fish can live for over a decade and grow up to 20–30 cm (8–12 inches), making them a lasting companion in larger setups.

• Peaceful Yet Assertive: Generally peaceful but may become territorial with similar-sized or shaped fish. Best housed with tankmates that can hold their own.

Tank Compatibility:

• Suitable for large, well-filtered community tanks

• Compatible with other semi-aggressive or similarly sized species like silver dollars, large barbs, catfish, and cichlids

• Not ideal for small or slow-moving tankmates due to size and assertive feeding behavior

Care Requirements:

• Temperature: 22°C–28°C (72°F–82°F)

• pH: 6.5–8.0

• Moderate to hard water

• Requires a large tank (minimum 55 gallons / 200+ liters), open swimming space, and hardy plants or decorations

Feeding Tips:

• Omnivorous—enjoys a mix of plant-based and protein-rich foods

• Feed with high-quality pellets, algae wafers, and fresh vegetables like blanched spinach or zucchini, along with occasional frozen treats like bloodworms

Why Choose the Pink Kissing Gourami?
Quirky, interactive, and visually unique, the Pink Kissing Gourami adds both charm and curiosity to your aquarium. With their soft coloration and iconic lip-puckering behavior, these fish are more than just pretty—they're full of personality and make a great centerpiece for spacious community tanks.