Labyrinth fish belong to the sub-order Anabantoidei which include (debated) five families; Anabantidae , Belontiidae , Helostomatidae , Luciocephalidae (controversially), and Osphronemidae . Labyrinth fish inhabit Africa, Asia,India, and Southeast Asia.

Their name is derived from the Labyrinth Organ that all the fish in the sub-order possess. Thisorgan enables this fish to breathe in oxygen-deprived waters. This organ is located just above the gills andconsists of folded skin tissues that are lined with numerous blood vessels. This accessory respiratory organ allowsLabyrinth fish to breathe air from the surface of the water. Due to this advanced organ, some species such as Anabas testudineus are able to leave thewater for extended periods in humid climates.This species moves about on land by using its pectoral fins.
SIZE :The fish of this family are generally small to medium-sized.
HAB : Generally stagnant waters where little oxygen is present. Four families are from Asia, India,and Southeast Asia, while one family inhabits Africa.
S : Depends on the species
TANK : Since the sub-order of Labyrinth fish contains such a diverse group of fish, a generalizationregarding tank size or set-up would be inaccurate.
WATER : Again, do to the wide distribution of Labyrinth fish, an accurate pH range can notbe given.Generally a pH from 6-7.5, a water hardness from 4-15 dH, and a temperature from 72-82°F (22-28°C) issatisfactory.
SB :Although some species are pugnacious, and at least one genus is predatory, most Labyrinthfish are suitable for community tanks.Males are frequently territorial and may harass females around spawningtimes.
SC : See individual descriptions.
FOOD : Many Labyrinth fish accept a wide range of live and dry foods.
B : Labyrinth have developed different spawning behavior in order to adapt to various environmentalconditions.These include bubble-nest builders, mouth-brooders, and open-spawners.

(1) Male bubble-nest builders gather debris and create a nest of bubbles encased in salivaat the water's surface. Spawning takes place below the nest, and the male takes the eggs or fry into the nest. Hetends to the eggs and guards the territory towards other fish-including the female.

(2) Mouth brooding is another technique used by severaltypes of labyrinth fish. After spawning the eggs are taken into the mouth of the male or female, depending on thespecies. There the eggs are incubated for a time.

(3) Open water spawners simply release their eggs with little regard to where the eggsend up. These species do not take part in brood care.