Kissing gouramis are also popular with aquarists for the fish's peculiar "kissing" behavior of other fish, plants, and other objects. Kissers of both sexes will often spar by meeting mouths and pushing each other through the water.
Fish that appear to be kissing are not doing so as a part of showing affection for each other; rather it is a demonstration of aggression and bid for dominance between two males.
The why's and wherefores of the practice differ from one person to another, however. Kissing your fish is an old tradition. While the origins are a bit gauzy, it seems to center around respect for the fish, the idea that the kiss will bring you luck and some believe it symbolizes a 'kiss goodbye'.
As the each Kisser approaches each other their plump lips lock together for a brief time then release. Although scientist are studying these fish to determine the reason for their behavior, it is thought that it is a social test of strength and/or status. So actually, they are not kissing at all!
Are Kissing Gouramis Aggressive? They are semi-aggressive fish, meaning they will occasionally harass their tank mates but rarely to death. The more another fish looks like a Kissing Gourami in size, color, or behavior, the more likely the Kisser is to pick at it.
Researchers have found that fish recognize each other and gather information by eavesdropping. They're capable of remembering past social interactions that they've had with other fish, and they show affection by rubbing against each other.
The reason they are at the surface trying to breathe is due to a lack of dissolved oxygen in the water. The low levels of oxygen are mainly due to a lack of aeration or poor water quality, which can then cause the fish to stress.
What they found was that both the female and the male she had chosen were slower to spawn and became a little more glum. This shows us that fish do feel companionship and that it's not just humans or mammals, so love really is in the water!
Over crowding, a lack of oxygen, over-feeding and poor nutrition, are stress factors that may lead fish to huddle together at the bottom of the pond.
Kissing gouramis, also known as kissing fish or kissers (Helostoma temminckii), are medium-sized tropical freshwater fish comprising the monotypic labyrinth fish family Helostomatidae (from the Greek elos [stud, nail], stoma [mouth]).
Touching your pet fish is usually a bad idea. It's advised to avoid touching or grabbing fish with bare hands in an aquarium unless in emergency situations. From sanitary concerns to fish safety, there are many reasons to avoid touching them altogether.
The Kissing Gourami is a relatively large fish species that can grow up to 30 cm (12 inches) in length. They have a unique appearance with a long, slender body and a protruding mouth that looks like a pair of lips, giving them their famous “kissing” nickname.
“[The fish] are seeking food. When they see our feet, they bite. They consider it plankton,” said Goren.
According to fishbase.org … “Frequently exhibit a 'territorial' kissing display in which two contenders push each other on the lips with their mouths wide open.” Other theories suggest that it's a dominance thing.
Territorial Behaviors
Some fish are territorial. They may lash out at others of their kind, others of the same sex, or they may not want any other fish near them. This is especially problematic in small aquariums. When a fish establishes a territory, it will chase away any other fish it sees as a threat.
When they kiss, it means they are fighting with each other. Besides, the jagged mouth weapon is only suitable for the same kind of kissing fishes. Kissing is the process of testing their patience. The first one who loosens its mouth fails in this fight.
Fish can also yawn, and they will increase this behavior when experiencing a lack of oxygen.
How Does this Relate to Fish? Fish don't roll up in a blanket and start snoring like we do, but they still show behaviors that count as sleeping.
Recent research indicates that fish have an impressive range of cognitive capacities, including the capacity for pleasure, in the form of play and other behaviors likely to involve positively valenced experience.
Fish have gills that allow them to “breathe” oxygen dissolved in the water. Water enters the mouth, passes over the gills, and exits the body through a special opening. This keeps an adequate amount of water in their bodies and they don't feel thirsty.
Surprisingly, science has found that fish are capable of recognizing their owner's face, even if the owner is standing by the tank with other people. Fish can develop an association between something they like, being fed, with the person who feeds them.
“Glass surfing” is when a fish – such as betta fish, gouramis, and cichlids – repeatedly swims up and down along the tank walls. It could be caused by stress, boredom, defense of territory, and other reasons.
Why does he hug the heater? This is because he's a tropical fish and is feeling cold, needing to be near the heater to feel the warmth. It is likely that the heater is not performing efficiently to warm the entire aquarium evenly.
While fish do not sleep in the same way that land mammals sleep, most fish do rest. Research shows that fish may reduce their activity and metabolism while remaining alert to danger. Some fish float in place, some wedge themselves into a secure spot in the mud or coral, and some even locate a suitable nest.