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If you’ve ever kept kissing fish or seen them in an aquarium, you’ve likely been captivated by their kissing gestures. The two fish, face to face, touch mouths, and it looks like a sweet, almost cloying display of affection. Many people’s first reaction is, “Wow, these fish are so romantic!” Some even exclaim, “It’s like a love story in the water.”

But things aren’t as simple as you might think. Today, let’s talk about why kissing fish kiss. The reason behind this isn’t romance, but competition.

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First, let’s get to know the kissing fish

Kissing fish, scientifically known as Kissing Gourami , are native to tropical Southeast Asian regions, including Thailand and Indonesia. They are medium-sized, reaching approximately 20 centimeters in length at maturity. Their bodies are often light green or pinkish-white, and their protruding mouths resemble two suction cups, a crucial element in their ability to kiss.

Because of its unique appearance and amusing movements, kissing fish are very popular in the ornamental fish market and are often placed in home aquariums as “living treasures”.

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It looks like a kiss, but it’s actually a quarrel

Many people think two kissing fish are in love when they see them kissing each other mouth to mouth, but that’s not the case at all.
It’s not a display of affection, but a competitive act .

Scientific research indicates that kissing fish are actually a form of fighting . They use their mouths to push each other back and forth, trying to see who has more power and can push the other backward. This mouth-to-mouth confrontation is usually over territory, food, or a fight for dominance .

Simply put, it wasn’t a kiss of love at all, but more like a head-on collision in a boxing ring. It was only because the action was so similar to a kiss that humans mistook it for a romantic scene.

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So will they really fall in love?

Since “kissing” is fighting, do kissing fish have a truly romantic side?

The answer is yes.
During the breeding season, male fish become more active, using their movements and colors to attract females. The females then lay their eggs, while the males guard them. While this doesn’t involve actual kissing, it’s a uniquely intimate interaction.

However, the “kissing” you see in daily life is most likely not love, but a contest of strength.

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Things to note when raising kissing fish at home

If you’re planning to keep kissing fish, you need to understand their personalities. Although they appear gentle, they can actually be quite aggressive .
Here are a few tips to consider:

The tank should be large enough.
Kissing fish are large and active. If the space is too small, they are more likely to get into conflicts. A spacious aquarium can reduce friction.

Don’t just keep one pair.
Many people think kissing fish look better in pairs, so they buy just two. However, this can lead to constant kissing and fighting. Keeping three or more can help distribute their attention and reduce confrontation.

Note that
kissing fish can get along well with some small, gentle fish, but if they encounter fish that love to fight, they may fight every day. For example, don’t easily put it with arowana or map fish.

Diversified diet:
They like algae and plant debris, and can also eat artificial feed. A balanced diet, good condition, can also reduce conflicts caused by competing for food.

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Why do people still think they are cute?

It is interesting that even though people know the truth about kissing fish, they still can’t help but be attracted by their appearance. There are several reasons for this:

The actions are fun : Regardless of whether they’re fighting or not, just putting mouths together is super cute.

The scene is unique : other fish fight by chasing and biting each other, but the way kissing fish fight is so “gentle”.

Easy to anthropomorphize : Humans are accustomed to fitting animal behavior into their own emotional framework, and when they see “mouth to mouth”, they automatically associate it with romance.

Therefore, the kissing fish has inadvertently become a “love fish” and has been given additional symbolic meaning.

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A little science: Another function of kissing fish

Kissing fish also have a unique quirk: they can “suck” on the glass of aquariums, removing algae. This ability to “clean the glass” has made them a popular choice for many aquarium enthusiasts. While not as professional as scavengers, they can still provide a useful aid.

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At last

Kissing fish are a very interesting ornamental fish. They have a romantic name and unique movements, and they look like the spokespersons of love, but the truth is “an alternative way of fighting.”

However, this “misunderstanding” is precisely their charm. After all, who doesn’t like a little laughter and surprise in their aquarium? Whether it’s a show of affection or a rivalry, kissing fish can make your fish tank more storytelling.

So next time you see two kissing fish “touching” their mouths, you can smile and tell the people around you:
“Don’t be fooled by them, they are not spreading candy, but arm wrestling!”