Labyrinth Tropical Fish

The Labyrinth fish, or anabantids as they are also known, have an organ that is called the labyrinth, located on top of the head, behind the eyes. This organ permits them to breathe air through their bodies, which allows them to live in lower oxygen level environments.  Some members of the family of Labyrinth build bubbles nests on the surface, in which eggs are placed after laying and fertilization.

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Julii Leopard Catfish - a native South American fish, it is very active, and can be seen darting around the driftwood and plants that it likes to scavenge on for food, or occasionally surfacing for air. The labyrinth that allows them to take advantage of poor oxygen conditions, means they live in a very wide range of environments, but prefer a medium range temperature with no salinity. Light tan body with horizontal lines of black specks, a black spot on the dorsal, and vertical speckled bands on the tail. A peaceful fish in themselves, their spiny fins and armored body are more than enough to protect them against predators. Does well alone or in pairs, in any tank from 10-gallons up.  Compatible with most community tropical fish. Seldom grows beyond 2”.

Opaline Gourami - a native fish of Cambodia, Thailand and Viet Nam, it is thought this may be a variation or hybrid of the Blue and Pearl gouramis.  Color is light blue, with darker blue marbling.  Does well in a variety of water conditions, and a wide range of diet, but appreciates some live, meaty food such as shrimp.  Requires an aquarium of 50-gallons or more.  Peaceful with others of its own kind, or larger.  Compatible with angelfish, large loaches, catfish, and cichlids.  Grows to 4” in the aquarium and 6” in the wild.

Betta - Known as the Siamese Fighting fish, this native of the Thailand region produces males with elegant fins in a wide range of colors.  Females are larger in the body, but smaller overall.  A bubble nest builder, the male will wrap his body around the female’s until the eggs are passed, after which they are fertilized then carried to the surface in their mouths, and placed in the bubbles.  The betta can survive in small containers, due to its labyrinth breathing organ.  While several females can be kept together, two males will fight, often to the death.  Use males in a community tank, only with discretion, and in the absence of other fish that bite fins.  Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, and likes live, meaty foods such as shrimp, and worms.  Grows to 2.5”.

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