Anabas testudineus – Climbing Perch
These fish have an elongated torpedo-shaped body and can grow to about 25 centimetres long. This is somewhat reminiscent of a perch in shape. The base of the dorsal fin is longer than the base of the anal fin. These fins form into the tail fin, bending back towards the body. Two strong spines grow on each gill cover. The fish are olive to grey. Young fish have a dark spot on the base of the tail. This is one of the reasons why the young are often confused with Ctenopoma species.
The spines on the gill covers are a defense mechanism for the fish. These spines are very painful. Therefore, great care must be taken with these fish. Another remarkable characteristic of these fish is that they can move between different pools using their fins, tails, and gill covers. To protect themselves, they do this mainly at night. Here, entire groups of Anabas testudineus come out of the water simultaneously. Individuals who go out alone are rarely found.
The fish got their common name, Climbing Perch, thanks to a myth. According to this myth, specimens of this species were found in the tops of trees. They were supposed to be able to climb these trees by themselves. However, this ability has not been scientifically proven. If it is the case that they were actually seen in trees, then it is more likely that birds left them there.
Synonyms: Anthias testudineus, Amphiprion testudineus, Antias testudineu, Antias testudineu, Anabas tastudineus, Anabas testudinens, Perca scandens, Anabas scandens, Lutjanus scandens, Sparus scandens, Amphiprion scansor, Lutjanus testudo, Anabas spinosus, Anabas variegatus, Anabas macrocephalus, Anabas microcephalus, Anabas trifoliatus, Anabas elongatus, Anabas testudineus lacustri, Anabas testudineus ricei, Anabas testudineus riveri.
Scientific Confusion?
With several slight colour and morphological differences in Climbing Perch found throughout their natural range it may well be that, in the future, we will see some of these given alternative scientific names besides Anabas testudineus.
Origin
Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, South China, Vietnam, Cambodia.
The aquarium
In his book Labyrinth Fish: The Bubble Nest Builders, Anabantid expert Horst Linke recommends a temperature of between 20 and 25°C. He said the fish should be kept in a densely planted aquarium. From conversations with aquarium photographer Kevin Webb, maggots and large food tablets are eagerly eaten by these fish. They are also carnivorous hunters and, therefore, not suitable for community aquariums. My own climbing perch lives together with two large Loricariidae, Synodontis paradalis, Sajica cichlids, Doradids, and Garra species.
Remember that they are labyrinth fish. Therefore, there must always be air between the water surface and any cover glass. In addition, the velvet disease must be taken into account.
Breeding Anabas testudineus – Climbing Perch
The sexes can be distinguished by looking at the build of the fish. Males are slimmer than females. This is especially true when the females are full of eggs. In addition, the males are often darker in color and the edge of the anal fin is straighter. The breeding aquarium should be equipped with many floating plants. These fish do not lay eggs if they are not sheltered. In contrast to other Gourami species, these fish do not perform an elegant mating dance. The courtship is often rough.
The eggs are transparent and float to the surface of the water. When the parents have laid their eggs, they must be removed. The Anabas testudineus eats its own eggs. After 3 days, the first eggs will hatch. The fry can be fed with floating algae or egg yolk. After a week, you can switch to artemia. The fry of these fish are very small and also very susceptible to velvet disease.
Video
Author
David Marshall
This article was written for the website of Ryedale Aquarist Society, Pickering, North Yorkshire, England.
Source: Aquarticles.com (original website no longer available)
References
Labyrinth Fish – The Bubble-Nest-Builders by Horst Linke, Tetra Press.
Labyrinth Fish by Helmut Pinter, Barron’s Publishing.
Star Animals Series – See & Discover Fish (English edition) – Elsa editions.
Dr. Axelrod’s Mini-Atlas, TFH Publications.
