Description

Helostoma teminckii is a large fish closely related to the true gouramis; it is the sole member of its own family and is thus not a “true” gourami. Kissers earned their name from the lip-locking behaviour they display that resembles kissing; the exact function of this behaviour is not known for certain although it is likely a form of sparring to establish dominance, courtship, or both. Kissers get large (almost a foot!) but if you have the space for them they are very intelligent and long-lived; like many large cichlids, kissers will bond with their owner and can be quite interactive.

These are juveniles around 2″ long.