Rare fish : Kisser - Kissing Fish

Kisser - Kissing Fish

Commun Name
   kisser - Kissing Fish

Scientific Name
   Helostoma temminckii

family
   Helostomatidae

Life expectancy
   10 years

Adult size
   10 cm in captivity, but it can reach 30 cm in nature

Reproduction
   This species breeds only rarely in captivity. It does not build a bubble nest but a piece of lightweight polystyrene or large sheet can be used as support. A large number ( several thousands) of floating eggs are then laid. Hatching occurs after 48 hours. Monitoring by the male is very limited and often even non-existent.

Difference between male and female
   The female is a little more rounded than the male and there is also a difference in the dorsal and anal fins are more developed in the male .

commercial price
   About 6 $

Ph
   between 6.5 and 8

Hardness
   between 5 º and 30 º Th Th

Temperature
   between 22 º C and 28 º C

Habitat and need
   Sue- East Asia , Thailand , Sumatra, Java Mouss

Minimum Bac
   200 liters

Food
   It accepts all fish foods, but can not absorb that much smaller than the size of his mouth prey.

In principle herbivorous (algae , salads, spinach) , he sometimes eat small live prey .

Behavior
Swimming area
   Surface and middle

Brightness
   dim light

Need plants
   No plants either, unless you want to feed them ..

Sociability
   Despite its size, it is a peaceful fish.

Avoid putting it in the presence of round fish because it tends to " kiss " them hardly . They are friendly although .

Also avoid plants because it tends to devour them .