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Labyrinth Fish
/ Anabantidae / Climbing Perch
Climbing Perch, Climbing Bass
Anabas testudineus | Pictures
Synonyms: Amphiprion
scansor, A. testudineus, Anabas elongatus, A macrocephalus, A. microcephalus, A. scandens, A. spinosus, A. variegatus,
Antias testudineus, Lutjanus scandens, Perca scandens, Sparus scandens, S. testudineus
Physical description: This oval-shaped species has large scales, and spiny rays on the dorsal fin.
The
body color is generally gray to brown, and occasionally a greenish iridescence is present.
The iris of the eye may be orange.
Size/Length: To 10" (25 cm)
Similar species: None
Habitat: Widespread from India to Southern China and Indonesia.
This species inhabits a wide range of
habitats including fresh and brackish water.
S: all
Aquarium: A tank measuring 32" (81 cm) with a capacity of 30 gallons (115 L) is sufficient
for fish up to 6" (15 cm) in length.
This species prefers shallow tanks with a cover of floating plants.
Provide
hiding places among rocks and wood.
Most importantly, use a tight-fitting cover so this fish is not to
go for a "walk" around your home.
Water chemistry: pH 5.5-8 (7.0), 2-18 dH (8), 73-88°F (23-31°C)
Social behavior: An aggressive species that should only be combined with other large, robust species.
Smaller
fish will serve as prey to this interesting fish.
Suggested companions: Possibly Ctenopoma
species in a large tank, large Cyprinds, Knifefish,
Mastacembelus, Polypterus, Giant Danios.
FOOD: Live; small fish,
Tubifex, insects, insect larvae, small amphibians,
crustaceans, chopped earthworms; lettuce; spinach; tablets; pellets; flakes; chopped meat; oatmeal; peas
SEX: Males have slightly longer anal and dorsal fins.
Breeding techniques: A spacious tank is needed for breeding.
The pair should be fed with varied live
foods in order to get them into spawning condition.
The floating eggs are laid randomly.
These should be removed, and usually
hatch after 24-30 hours.
Start feeding with Infusoria.
Breeding potential: 7.
Breeding is moderately difficult, in part due to the large tank requirement.
Remarks: This species is famous for its survival capabilities and durability.
At times of little food or water, this
species will move overland, utilizing its labyrinth organ for breathing purposes.
Many have reported that this species
climbs small shrubs and fallen limbs at times.
Often during the dry season, this species will burrow into the mud
and remain dormant for extended periods.
This species is considered a fine food fish in several countries.
Difficulty of care: 4.
This robust, omnivorous fish is tolerant to many aquarium conditions.
The drawbacks to this species include
its quarrelsome, predatory nature, and the size that it can attain.
Recent articles about fish
Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees
(2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health.
Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees
(10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine.
Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater
(12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina.
How to save the world's oceans from overfishing
(7/8/2007) Global fishing stocks are in trouble. After expanding from 18 millions tons in 1950 to around 94 million tons in 2000, annual world fish catch has leveled off and may even be declining. Scientists estimate that the number of large predatory fish in the oceans has fallen by 90 percent since the 1950s, while about one-quarter of the world's fisheries are overexploited, depleted, or recovering from depletion. Despite these dire trends, the situation is changing. Today some of the world's largest environmental groups are focused on addressing the health of marine life and oceans, while sustainable fisheries management is at the top of the agenda for intergovenmental bodies. At the forefront of these efforts is Mike Sutton, director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium's conservation program: the Center for the Future of the Oceans. The aquarium, which has long been recognized as one of the world's most important marine research facilities, is pioneering new strategies for protecting the planet's oceans. Sutton says the approach has four parts: establishing new marine protected areas, pushing for ocean policy reform, promoting sustainable seafood, and protecting wildlife and marine ecosystems.
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