Pygmy gourami aquarium trade. The pygmy gourami is hardy and tolerant of less-than-ideal water conditions in the tank. It is important to avoid any strong currents in the aquarium and need plenty of hiding places; a heavily planted tank with subdued lighting would be ideal. They require some space between the top of the water and the tank cover from which to gulp air. Preferred water conditions include a temperature of 25 °C (76 °F) or above, and a pH of less than 7. While these are not schooling fish, they can usually be kept peacefully in small groups. Keep in mind
Kissing gourami muscles. However, it is not completely confirmed that it is an aggressive behavior and is rather understood as a ritualized form of aggression. "Helostoma temminkii" can become the host tosome parasitic algal species. These algae are able to survive under kissing gourami skin and look like color spots. Some hypothesis affirm that these algae communities receive some nutrients required for photosynthesis from the "H. temminkii." The individuals which have these parasites in their bodies are commonly less healthy than those which have not any algae parasites. "H. temminkii" are able to communicate between each other due to their complex inner