Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus) Care Guide
Anabas testudineus is a hardy Asian labyrinth fish famous for moving overland between pools, an aggressive predator best kept in a spacious species tank.
Overview
Anabas testudineus, the climbing perch, is an Asian labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae famed for travelling overland between pools using body undulation and its pectoral fins. Described by Bloch in 1792, it is a sturdy, aggressive species best housed alone. It is an important food fish across South and Southeast Asia.
Taxonomy
- Family: Anabantidae
- Genus: Anabas
- Scientific name: Anabas testudineus
- Described by: Bloch, 1792
- Common synonyms: Walking Perch
Habitat
The native range spans freshwater systems from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka through Southern China and Southeast Asia west of the Wallace Line. It is euryhaline, tolerating varying salinity, and can survive out of water for about 6-10 hours. Outside its native range it behaves as an invasive species, with records as far as the Torres Strait.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
A spacious, tightly covered aquarium is essential because this powerful air-breather can escape and survive out of water for hours. Provide robust decor and avoid delicate fittings.
Diet
A carnivore, it takes meaty live and frozen foods and prepared diets. Adults are predatory and will consume smaller tankmates.
Compatibility
Aggressive and predatory, the climbing perch is a species-only display fish. Smaller fish and long-finned fish should not be housed with it.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Scientific evidence suggests the fish may represent a species complex rather than a single species.