Tank mates for kissing gouramis

We checked kissing gouramis against all 149 other species in our database for water temperature, pH, size, fin nipping, predation and aggression.

Good tank mates for kissing gouramis include betta fish, nerite snail, bristlenose pleco, angelfish, tiger barb and oscar. Avoid cherry shrimp, common goldfish and fancy goldfish: kissing gourami eats small shrimp like cherry shrimp.

Kissing gouramis: 24–28°C (75–82°F), pH 6–8, adult size 20 cm (7.9 in), minimum tank 75 gallons (284 L). Full kissing gourami care guide.

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Good Compatible tank mates (42)

Shared water conditions and no known conflict. Still add fish slowly and watch them.

Caution Possible, with care (94)

These can work in the right setup, but there is a real risk. Read the reason first.

Bronze corydoras · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller bronze corydoras.
Dwarf gourami · 15+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller dwarf gouramis.
Guppy · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller guppies.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than guppies and may swallow them as it grows.
Neon tetra · 15+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller neon tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than neon tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Panda corydoras · 15+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller panda corydoras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than panda corydoras and may swallow them as it grows.
Zebra danio · 20+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller zebra danios.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than zebra danios and may swallow them as it grows.
African dwarf frog · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller African dwarf frogs.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than African dwarf frogs and may swallow them as it grows.
Amano shrimp · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami hunts shrimp. Larger amano shrimp sometimes survive, but expect losses.
Black skirt tetra · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller black skirt tetras.
Cardinal tetra · 15+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller cardinal tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than cardinal tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Celestial pearl danio · 10+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller celestial pearl danios.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than celestial pearl danios and may swallow them as it grows.
Cherry barb · 15+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller cherry barbs.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than cherry barbs and may swallow them as it grows.
Chili rasbora · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller chili rasboras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than chili rasboras and may swallow them as it grows.
Chinese algae eater · 80+ gal
- Chinese algae eater is aggressive. Kissing gouramis can hold their own only in a large tank with plenty of cover.
Denison barb · 75+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
Discus · 75+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 28–28°C).
Dwarf neon rainbowfish · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller dwarf neon rainbowfish.
Ember tetra · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller ember tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than ember tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
German blue ram · 20+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 27–28°C).
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller German blue rams.
Ghost shrimp · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami hunts shrimp. Larger ghost shrimp sometimes survive, but expect losses.
Glowlight tetra · 15+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller glowlight tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than glowlight tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Harlequin rasbora · 15+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller harlequin rasboras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than harlequin rasboras and may swallow them as it grows.
Hillstream loach · 20+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–24°C).
- One is a cold-water species and the other is tropical, so neither will be at its best.
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller hillstream loaches.
Honey gourami · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller honey gouramis.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than honey gouramis and may swallow them as it grows.
Jack Dempsey · 55+ gal
- Jack Dempsey is aggressive. Kissing gouramis can hold their own only in a large tank with plenty of cover.
Julii corydoras · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller julii corydoras.
Kuhli loach · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller kuhli loaches.
Otocinclus · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller otocinclus.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than otocinclus and may swallow them as it grows.
Peppered corydoras · 20+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller peppered corydoras.
Pictus catfish · 75+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
Platy · 15+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller platies.
Pygmy corydoras · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller pygmy corydoras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than pygmy corydoras and may swallow them as it grows.
Rosy barb · 29+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–24°C).
- One is a cold-water species and the other is tropical, so neither will be at its best.
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller rosy barbs.
Rummy-nose tetra · 29+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller rummy-nose tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than rummy-nose tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Sterbai corydoras · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller sterbai corydoras.
X-ray tetra · 15+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller x-ray tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than x-ray tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Bamboo shrimp · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami hunts shrimp. Larger bamboo shrimp sometimes survive, but expect losses.
Black neon tetra · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller black neon tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than black neon tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Black phantom tetra · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller black phantom tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than black phantom tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Bleeding heart tetra · 29+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller bleeding heart tetras.
Bloodfin tetra · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller bloodfin tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than bloodfin tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Bolivian ram · 29+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller Bolivian rams.
Buenos Aires tetra · 29+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
Bumblebee catfish · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller bumblebee catfish.
Clown killifish · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller clown killifish.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than clown killifish and may swallow them as it grows.
Clown pleco · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller clown plecos.
Congo tetra · 40+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller Congo tetras.
Diamond tetra · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller diamond tetras.
Dwarf chain loach · 29+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller dwarf chain loaches.
Dwarf orange crayfish · 10+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–24°C).
- One is a cold-water species and the other is tropical, so neither will be at its best.
- Kissing gourami may attack small crustaceans like dwarf orange crayfish, especially after they molt.
Emerald green corydoras · 55+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller emerald green corydoras.
Emperor tetra · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller emperor tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than emperor tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Endler's livebearer · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller Endler's livebearers.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than Endler's livebearers and may swallow them as it grows.
Forktail blue-eye · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller forktail blue-eyes.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than forktail blue-eyes and may swallow them as it grows.
Gardneri killifish · 10+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
Giant danio · 55+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
Glass catfish · 29+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller glass catfish.
Gold barb · 29+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–24°C).
- One is a cold-water species and the other is tropical, so neither will be at its best.
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller gold barbs.
Green terror · 80+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–24°C).
- Green terror is aggressive. Kissing gouramis can hold their own only in a large tank with plenty of cover.
Head and tail light tetra · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller head and tail light tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than head and tail light tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Kubotai rasbora · 15+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller kubotai rasboras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than kubotai rasboras and may swallow them as it grows.
Lambchop rasbora · 15+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller lambchop rasboras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than lambchop rasboras and may swallow them as it grows.
Lemon tetra · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller lemon tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than lemon tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Marbled hatchetfish · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller marbled hatchetfish.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than marbled hatchetfish and may swallow them as it grows.
Odessa barb · 20+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller odessa barbs.
Panda garra · 29+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller panda garras.
Paradise fish · 20+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–24°C).
- One is a cold-water species and the other is tropical, so neither will be at its best.
Peacock gudgeon · 15+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller peacock gudgeons.
Penguin tetra · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller penguin tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than penguin tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Rosy loach · 15+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller rosy loaches.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than rosy loaches and may swallow them as it grows.
Rosy tetra · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller rosy tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than rosy tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Rubber lip pleco · 29+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
Scarlet badis · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller scarlet badis.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than scarlet badis and may swallow them as it grows.
Scissortail rasbora · 55+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
Serpae tetra · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than serpae tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Sparkling gourami · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller sparkling gouramis.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than sparkling gouramis and may swallow them as it grows.
Thai micro crab · 5+ gal
- Kissing gourami may attack small crustaceans like Thai micro crabs, especially after they molt.
Threadfin rainbowfish · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller threadfin rainbowfish.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than threadfin rainbowfish and may swallow them as it grows.
Turquoise rainbowfish · 29+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
Upside-down catfish · 29+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller upside-down catfish.
Vampire shrimp · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami hunts shrimp. Larger vampire shrimp sometimes survive, but expect losses.
Zebra loach · 29+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller zebra loaches.
Zebra pleco · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller zebra plecos.
Black ruby barb · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller black ruby barbs.
Checkerboard barb · 20+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller checkerboard barbs.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than checkerboard barbs and may swallow them as it grows.
Dwarf rasbora · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller dwarf rasboras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than dwarf rasboras and may swallow them as it grows.
Flame tetra · 15+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller flame tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than flame tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Glowlight danio · 20+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–24°C).
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller glowlight danios.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than glowlight danios and may swallow them as it grows.
Green neon tetra · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller green neon tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than green neon tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Least killifish · 10+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller least killifish.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than least killifish and may swallow them as it grows.
Pearl danio · 20+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller pearl danios.
Silvertip tetra · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller silvertip tetras.
- Kissing gourami grows much larger than silvertip tetras and may swallow them as it grows.
Thick-lipped gourami · 20+ gal
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller thick-lipped gouramis.
Variatus platy · 15+ gal
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 24–25°C).
- One is a cold-water species and the other is tropical, so neither will be at its best.
- Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller variatus platies.

Avoid Bad tank mates (13)

Cherry shrimp: Kissing gourami eats small shrimp like cherry shrimp.
Common goldfish: They need different temperatures: Kissing gourami 24–28°C (75–82°F), common goldfish 15–22°C (59–72°F).
Fancy goldfish: They need different temperatures: Kissing gourami 24–28°C (75–82°F), fancy goldfish 18–23°C (64–73°F).
Dojo loach: They need different temperatures: Kissing gourami 24–28°C (75–82°F), dojo loach 18–23°C (64–73°F).
Electric yellow cichlid: Electric yellow cichlid is a Lake Malawi cichlid. It needs a Lake Malawi tank: hard, alkaline water (pH 7.5–8.5), plenty of rockwork and other cichlids from the same lake. Kissing gouramis don't belong in that setup.
Pea puffer: Pea puffer is best kept in a species-only tank.
Peacock cichlid: Peacock cichlid is a Lake Malawi cichlid. It needs a Lake Malawi tank: hard, alkaline water (pH 7.5–8.5), plenty of rockwork and other cichlids from the same lake. Kissing gouramis don't belong in that setup.
Red zebra cichlid: Red zebra cichlid is a Lake Malawi cichlid. It needs a Lake Malawi tank: hard, alkaline water (pH 7.5–8.5), plenty of rockwork and other cichlids from the same lake. Kissing gouramis don't belong in that setup.
White cloud mountain minnow: They need different temperatures: Kissing gourami 24–28°C (75–82°F), white cloud mountain minnow 16–22°C (61–72°F).
Crystal red shrimp: Kissing gourami eats small shrimp like crystal red shrimp.
Demasoni cichlid: Demasoni cichlid is a Lake Malawi cichlid. It needs a Lake Malawi tank: hard, alkaline water (pH 7.5–8.5), plenty of rockwork and other cichlids from the same lake. Kissing gouramis don't belong in that setup.
Frontosa: Frontosa is a Lake Tanganyika cichlid. It needs a Lake Tanganyika tank: hard, alkaline water (pH 8–9), plenty of rockwork and other cichlids from the same lake. Kissing gouramis don't belong in that setup.
Shell dweller cichlid: Shell dweller cichlid is a Lake Tanganyika cichlid. It needs a Lake Tanganyika tank: hard, alkaline water (pH 7.5–9), plenty of rockwork and other cichlids from the same lake. Kissing gouramis don't belong in that setup.

Frequently asked questions

What fish can live with kissing gouramis?

Good tank mates for kissing gouramis include betta fish, nerite snail, bristlenose pleco, angelfish, tiger barb and oscar. They need similar water and won't fight with or eat kissing gouramis.

Can kissing gouramis live with angelfish?

Yes. They share similar water needs (24–28°C (75–82°F)) and peaceful temperaments.

Can kissing gouramis live with bettas?

Yes. They share similar water needs (24–28°C (75–82°F)) and peaceful temperaments.

Can kissing gouramis live with bristlenose plecos?

Yes. They share similar water needs (24–26°C (75–79°F)) and peaceful temperaments.

Can kissing gouramis live with bronze corydoras?

Sometimes, with care. Kissing gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller bronze corydoras.

How we decide: we compare each pair's comfortable temperature, pH and hardness ranges, adult sizes, mouth size (who can eat whom), fin nipping, aggression and territory. Read the full method. Data last reviewed 2026-10-13.

Good Compatible tank mates (42)

Angelfish

Betta fish

Bristlenose pleco

Common pleco

Nerite snail

Oscar

Tiger barb

Assassin snail

Bala shark

Blood parrot cichlid

Boesemani rainbowfish

Clown loach

Convict cichlid

Electric blue acara

Firemouth cichlid

Kribensis

Malaysian trumpet snail

Molly

Mystery snail

Pearl gourami

Rainbow shark

Ramshorn snail

Red-tail shark

Senegal bichir

Siamese algae eater

Silver dollar

Three spot gourami

Yoyo loach

African butterfly fish

Agassiz's dwarf cichlid

Black ghost knifefish

Cockatoo cichlid

Golden wonder killifish

Jewel cichlid

Rabbit snail

Red rainbowfish

Ropefish

Severum

Swordtail

Tinfoil barb

Keyhole cichlid

Moonlight gourami

Caution Possible, with care (94)

Avoid Bad tank mates (13)

Frequently asked questions