The kissing gourami (Helostoma temmickii) is a very popular ornamental fish for larger aquaria due to its unusual “kissing” behavior. Almost exclusively the pink-colored breeding form is available in the trade (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/helostoma-temmickii-2/), as this variant is bred in huge quantities as an edible fish. The pink form is much easier to see than the natural form in breeding and fattening ponds, which have very turbid water because kissing gourami require a high nutrient density as plankton filter feeders. For the first time in a long time, we are now able to offer the natural form, which is referred to as “green” in the hobby.
In reality, the fish is not green, but has a silvery olive sheen, slightly darker on the back than on the flanks, the throat is silver-colored, the dorsal and anal fins have a sooty sheen and there is an oval, dark spot on the root of the tail. Fine black lines can sometimes be seen along the flanks – depending on the mood. In terms of care and breeding, the natural form is no different from the pink-colored cultivated form, although the Green Kissing Gurami is much more attractive in the aquarium when viewed from the side.
For our customers: Helostoma temmickii GREEN has code 421316 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
