Pink kissing gourami?

Question

So recently in my Aquatic Science class, my partner and I bought 2 pink kissing gourami. We have 1 big shell in the tank, 2 rocks, and 1 fake plant with an under gravel filter. Our tank is kind of small (30 gallons), but is there anything we need to know about these fish? I did some research but I couldn't find anything on decorations, so I don't know if what we have is ok or not. Also, how often should they be fed?

Oh! Also, are they considered a "hardy" fish? What's their personality like? Do they die easily?

Answer 1

If you have two males, you will see a lot of territorial fights, and if you have a male and a female, you are likely to find fry eventually. Male Kissers, as with all Gouramis, are usually aggressive towards their own species, but tolerant of other species. You should try to add some more plants (preferably live plants, but you need higher lighting for live plants) to give them a more natural environment, and more breaks in their lines of sight, to prevent territorial disputes. Also, undergravel filters should not be your only source of filtration for a 30 gallon tank. Check out Aquaclear hang-on-back filters; they are MUCH more efficient than UGs... Email me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

EDIT: Gouramis in general are quite hardy, and Kissing Gouramis are no exception.

Answer 2

A 30-gallon is appropriate for Kissing Gouramis.

Here is some information that I found at http://www.liveaquaria.com:

"The Kissing Gourami is also known as the Kisser Fish or Pink Kisser. The Kissing Gourami is silvery-peach in color and has thick lips that can be extended or pursed (as in kissing). They are generally a tolerant species, but males may occasionally fight by pressing their lips together (i.e., kissing). The weaker of the two will normally back down. They are surface breathers and must have access to the surface of the aquarium. The Kissing Gourami requires a 30-gallon or larger tank, with stones and plants. Plastic plants are best because they will eat most all vegetation in the aquarium, although Java Fern and possibly Java Moss may also be used. There is no need to clean the back of the aquarium because the Kissing Gourami will browse on the algae that is growing there. The Kissing Gourami is peaceful with other fish of similar size and will tolerate others of the same species. There are no distinguishing characteristics between the male and female, although the female is usually heavier than the male. The Kissing Gourami prefers soft water for breeding and does not build a nest. Lettuce leaves should be laid on the surface for use as spawning material. The eggs will float to the lettuce where the fry will get nourishment from the bacteria and infusoria that is on the lettuce. The Kissing Gourami is an omnivore and requires both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition."

Answer 3

You were, unfortunately, misinformed. Kissing gouramis are big, semi-aggressive fish, and that 'kissing' you see, is actually them fighting for dominance and territory. In a large tank (60 gallons at the least) they could possibly have enough territory each - but in a small tank, they will not be very peaceful with each other (or possibly other members of the tank). They will grow to 8-10". If your tank is big, give them a few days to settle down. If the tank is small, you should bring them back to the petstore and get something smaller, like dwarf gouramis, or even gold / blue / pearl gouramis.

Answer 4

Your tank is borderline too small but they sould be fine
=] as for decorations, you pretty much have free reign to do wahtever you please and if you feed them once a day they should be fine and happy!

Hope I helped
=]


their personalities can differ greatly just as humans...

They are pretty easy to care for so i don't think they'll die as long as you don't drop poison in the tank or if you don't clean your tank...

oh and yeah they're very hardy...

Answer 5

I've had a pink gourami for around three years since I moved into a new house. He's lived much longer than I ever expected. Our tank is pretty disgusting as well, but he is happy as a clam.