CLIMBING PERCH (Anabas testudineus): SPECIES ACCOUNTS
SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH (Betta splendens): SPECIES ACCOUNTS
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Labyrinth fishes are about 1 to 24 inches (2.5 to 60 centimeters) long and have a special air-breathing organ called the labyrinth (LAB-uh-rinth). Most species have a space in their head bones that sharpens their hearing. The swim bladder, an internal sac that fishes use to control their position in the water, branches into two long pouches. Many species are beautifully colored.
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Labyrinth fishes live in Africa and Asia. Several species have been released accidentally to areas outside their natural range.
HABITAT
Many labyrinth fishes live in still bodies of water with thick plant life, but some live in cool, fast mountain streams. Most labyrinth fishes can live in water with a low oxygen level.
DIET
Most labyrinth fishes eat small invertebrates (in-VER-teh-brehts), or animals without backbones, and algae. Algae (AL-jee) are plantlike growths that live in water and have no true roots, stems, or leaves. Some species eat small fishes.
LABYRINTH FISHES AND PEOPLE
The larger species of labyrinth fishes are farmed for food. The smaller, colorful labyrinth fishes are used in aquariums.
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