Cichlids and Kissing fish

Question
QUESTION: I have 7 Cichlids of all sizes.  Can I put 2 kissing fish with them in my 55 gallon tank?  Or how would they be in a 10 gallon tank with 4 fancy Guppies?

ANSWER: Hi Pat,
 Are you aware that adult kissing gouramis can be 8-10 inches in length?  They certainly wouldn't go in a 10 gallon tank.  As for the 55 gallon, that is up to you.  I wouldn't do it because gouramis are from Southeast Asia and your cichlids are not.  I generally do not like to mix fish from different parts of the world.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How long do the kissing gouramis take to get 8 to 10 inches?  They are smaller than my cichlids and she has had them for about a year.  I asked at the local fish store and they said they are a community fish and might be ok with the guppies.  You think not because of there size?

Answer
Hi Pat,
  The kissing gouramis should reach that size in a couple of years if they are properly cared for.   I think they would be "okay" with guppies, but only because the guppies would be dinner.  I don't think the guppies would be "okay" with that.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>