Kissing Gourami: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

Kissing gouramis press their lips together in what looks like a kiss. It is really a pushing contest, and the fish grows far bigger than most buyers expect.

Adult size
7.9 in20 cm
Smallest tank
75 gallons284 liters
How many
One or more
Temperature
72–82 °F22–28 °C
pH
6–8
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Swims
In the middle
Heater needed
Yes

What size tank does a kissing gourami need?

At least 75 gallons (284 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 75 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Helostoma temminkii.

How many kissing gouramis in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if kissing gouramis are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Keep one kissing gourami per tank, whatever the size. Of the common sizes, these are big enough: 75 gallon, 125 gallon.

Check kissing gouramis against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

  • Sold small, grows to 20 cm or more.

Tank mates for kissing gouramis

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

  • Guppy: Kissing gourami (about 8 in) can eat guppy (about 2 in).
  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
  • Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and much bigger. Kissing gourami would be bullied.

Questions and answers

What size tank does a kissing gourami need?

At least 75 gallons (284 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 75 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many kissing gouramis should be kept together?

One is fine. A kissing gourami does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.

Can kissing gouramis live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Kissing gourami needs at least 75 gallons (284 liters), and grows to 8 in (20 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.

What temperature do kissing gouramis need?

72–82 °F (22–28 °C), with a pH of 6–8. In most homes that means a heater.

Can kissing gouramis live with a betta?

Usually, yes, in a tank of 75 gallons (284 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.