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 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