How to Make Kissing Fish Kiss

Native to Indonesia, the kissing fish -- also known as the kissing gourami -- is a popular fish for salt water aquariums due to their unusual and charming habit of "kissing" one another. This kissing is believed to be a sign of strength or a way of testing an opponent. They are exceptionally hearty fish that grow to an average length of 5 inches to 6 inches. They have a hearty appetite and require a large fish tank. Although there is no way to make them kiss, you can provide them with the environment that will encourage the behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • pH strips
  • pH adjuster
  • Thermostat
  • Elodea, onion plants, hornwort or water wisteria
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase several gourami, making sure you get at least two males. The males will exhibit the "kissing" behavior.

    • 2

      Keep the pH in your tank around 6 and 8. Check your pH by testing the water with your pH strips and adding pH adjuster if necessary. Set your tank's thermostat between 71.5 degrees and 82.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 3

      Keep the gourami in a habitat that strongly resembles what it is used to in the wild. This includes thick vegetation of a sturdy variety such as Elodea, onion plants, hornwort or water wisteria, as the teeth of the kissing gourami can be too tough for the lighter plants.

    • 4

      Allow the glass along the back of the tank to develop some algae. This is required for healthy gourami and will encourage them in natural feeding habits and actions.

    • 5

      Watch the gourami closely. Once they have entered the tank, the males will start exhibiting fierce territorial behavior. Soon they will begin posturing by pushing each other with their lips, looking as if they are kissing.