Pet Health And Care >>  Fish Species >>  Kissing gourami  
 
Kissing gourami

Kissing Gouramis Fish:

Kissing Gouramis are small fish, ranging from 5 to 6 inches.



The fish is known as a Kissing Gourami because of the unusual mouth shape that makes them appear as if they are kissing. They often come close to each other, and it appears as if they are trying to kiss each other. However, this is actually a form of social testing. The Kissing Gourami’s lips are shaped like this for providing more ease while sucking on algae from the surface of rocks and other objects.



The fish bring into use both their teeth and their lips in order to suck and rasp on algae that may be growing on the debris around them.

The fish is usually found in two distinct colors: green-gray and pink. Though the actual color of the fish is green-gray, a certain mutation in the fish that are bred in captivity may cause them to appear pink in color. These pink Kissing Gouramis are more common because they are readily available and therefore, can be taken by an aquarist immediately.

A lot of people keep the Kissing Gourami because they are a hardy kind of fish.



They eat heartily and have a larger than average appetite. Though small, they require a large aquarium to be kept in. If they are kept in small or over crowded aquariums, they may experience stunted growth. They are considered a good fish to keep in a community tank. However, the Kissing Gourami has been frequently seen to be bullying smaller fishes in the tank. Therefore, it is best to keep this fish in larger tanks. If you are planning on buying one of these fishes, it is best to keep abreast of the Kissing Gourami health information. Though hardy, they may contract infections from sick fishes around them. Still, Kissing Gourami health issues are far less than other fishes. In fact, these fishes can survive well in waters where the oxygen content is depleted. This is because of their labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe in water where oxygen levels are low.

To make sure that there are no Kissing Gourami health problems, try to change the water of the tank frequently. Though they can breathe in water with low oxygen reserves, it is best to keep changing 25% of the water every week.
Socially, though they are extremely peaceful when they are young; however, as adults, the Kissing Gouramis may give some trouble. They show varying degrees of aggression and are therefore usually kept in a separate bowl or are kept with larger fish.

 
  Submitted on February 11, 2010