Family: Osphronemidae
Helostoma temminckii — a Osphronemidae from Southeast Asia. Reaches 22.5–33 cm; keep at 22–30 °C.
Helostoma temminckii, a member of the family Osphronemidae, comes from Southeast Asia, where it inhabits still waters, rice paddies and slow streams. Territorial; one male per tank and carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live, it grows to 22.5–33 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 22–30 °C range. In a community tank it pairs well with Similar-sized peaceful community fish.
Difficulty: moderate. Territorial; one male per tank. Solitary, pairs or small groups.
Hold 22–30 °C and keep it stable — 22–30 °C curated husbandry range. Heater required; stable warmth.
Adults reach 22.5–33 cm; it is middle of the water column. Plan for at least 500 litres.
Carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Territorial; one male per tank. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Comes from Southeast Asia: still waters, rice paddies and slow streams. Expect still to very gentle water and tolerates low oxygen; labyrinth breather.
It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.
In the aquarium: bubble-nest builder with paternal care. Males larger with longer fins.