Pink Kissing Gourami

The pink form of the Kissing Gourami, which does not occur in the wild. It grows to about 25 cm, and its famous kissing is really a test of strength between rival fish, so it needs far more room than many shops suggest.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Males are usually brighter, with more pointed dorsal fins, and females are rounder.

Keep the water calm, with floating plants and tall stems for cover, and leave a little open water at the surface, because gouramis breathe air. A lid keeps the air above the water warm, which protects the labyrinth organ.

A calm, deliberate fish that explores with its long, thread-like pelvic fins and takes breaths of air from the surface.

Can be kept singly or in a small group. Males may squabble, so give them cover if you keep more than one.

Males can be territorial, especially when building a nest.

Usually suits a calm community of fish that are not too boisterous. Avoid fin nippers, which go for its long pelvic fins. It is likely to eat shrimp. Choose its tankmates with care.

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.

Takes prepared foods readily, along with live and frozen foods.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

An egg scatterer with no parental care. Adults eat eggs and fry, so use a separate tank with fine plants, moss or mesh on the bottom, and remove the adults after spawning. The fry need very small foods at first.