[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Gouramis & Relatives – Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus)

This tough, durable species was first imported into Europe in 1891, making it one of the oldest tropical fish in the hobby. It has been reported as being able to “walk” on land and even to climb trees. The former behavior is known to be within the species’ capabilities, e.g., during wet weather and perhaps in moving from one pond to another, but its climbing powers’ are somewhat exaggerated. A yellow (xanthistic) form has been reported, but is rarely seen, as is a second species, the High-bodied Climbing Perch (A oligolepis), from India and Bangladesh.

Other common name

• Walking Perch

Synonyms

• A. elongatus, A. macrocephalus. A. scandens, and others

Family

• Anabantidae

Distribution

• Widely distributed in tropical Asia.

Size

• Up to 10in (25cm) reported, but usually smaller.

Behavior

• Retiring, but can be aggressive in the confines of an aquarium.

Diet

• Livefoods preferred, but other formulations may be accepted.

Aquarium

• Well covered, with adequate shelter and surface vegetation. Water chemistry not critical. Temperature range: around 59 F (15 C)to 86 F (30 C).

Breeding

• Insignificant nest is built (or none at all). The floating eggs receive very little or no parental care. Hatching takes about 1 day at the higher end of the temperature range.