Pearl gourami pair of pearl gouramis, although anything above that volume is greatly recommended, since these fish show signs of stress, abnormal aggression, and illness when feeling confined. Preferred tank temperatures are 22–28°C (72–82F). Tanks with surfaces exposed to fresh air are recommended so that the pearl gourami's labyrinth organ can function correctly. As with any tropical aquarium, adequate filtration, lighting, substrate and decorations, plants, and proper care are required. The pearl gourami is a territorial fish and should only be suited in a community tank with fish of similar size to it. However, this fish may be somewhat timid or shy,
Kissing gourami do not guard, are spherical, smooth, and buoyant. Initial development is rapid: the eggs hatch after one day, and the fry are free-swimming two days thereafter. The kissing gourami does not care for its young. The kissing gourami present a kind of behavior associated with their characteristic jaw and mouth: two individuals approach their mouths in both mediolateral and dorsoventral planes and press for a few seconds. This type of "kiss" has given "H. temminkii" the common name of kissing gourami has been considered an intraspecific aggressive behavior also known as "mouth fight" due to the contraction of the jaw