Climbing Perch — a Anabantidae from S & SE Asia, peaceful but slow — it loses every feeding race. Reaches 18.8–27.5 cm; pairs or small groups in quiet, plant-thick tanks. 22–30 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
22–30 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
18.8–27.5 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but slow — it loses every feeding race
Origin
S & SE Asia
Species overview
Anabas testudineus is a Anabantidae from S & SE Asia. It gulps air at the surface, so warm, still, plant-covered water is home — and cold drafts are not. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 18.8–27.5 cm. Pairs or small groups in quiet, plant-thick tanks. Give it warm, gentle water, floating plants and quiet neighbours; filter flow should barely ripple the surface. Maintain 22–30 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A solid choice for a well-planned community tank.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Pairs or small groups in quiet, plant-thick tanks
Diet
Unfussy eater; supplement with live or frozen fare
Recommended tankmates
Peaceful mid-water schoolers — Add motion without menace
Avoid keeping with
Fast, aggressive feeders — Starve it out at every meal
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Builds a foam nest among floating plants; paternal care