Over their native range, climbing perch occur mainly in low lying swamps, marsh lands, lakes, canals, pools, small pits, and puddles. They are renowned for their ability to migrate between ponds over land. Migration is most common at night and after rain storms. They use mainly their tail and spiny opercula for this purpose. Climbing perch have specialized labyrinth organs under their operculum which enable them to breath atmospheric air. In laboratory experiments, over crowding and starvation are the main stimuli triggering land migrations.

Climbing perch mature at approximately 100 mm. Unlike other anabantids, they do not build bubble nests or care for their eggs, which float at the surface. Between 50 and 100 eggs are typically laid. Relatively large fry emerge from the eggs approximately 24 to 48 hours after these are laid.

Over their native range, climbing perch are of considerable economic importance as food fish. They are both caught from the wild and cultured. Natives pack them in baskets with moist grass, keeping them alive for several days, to consume or sell.

This is a fish commonly seen in books about aquarium fish, but is actually rarely seen in the hobby due to it's drab coloration. They are however VERY interesting fish to watch and the forward facing eyes give it a very owl or feline-like gaze.

India, Indonesia, Philippines, Southern China, and Southeast Asia

5 - 8 years

Carnivore

Flakes, pellets, frozen, freeze-dried, and live foods. Especially fond of insects and shrimp.

Dimorphic

The female is larger around (particularly when in spawning condition). Males may be darker in color and have more of a knife-edged anal fin than females.

Egg Layer

Spews floating eggs

• Aggressive
• Schooling fish/Usually found in groups
• Will eat smaller fish
• Preditory

Rarely Seen