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One of the most colorful suborders from the Perciformes order, the labyrinth fish can be found in fresh water areas of Africa and Asia. Of the seventy species in this suborder many are very popular with aquarium owners, not just for their color, but also because of their highly diverse distinguishing characteristics. The paradise fish was one of the first labyrinth fish to brighten European aquariums around 1869. This labyrinth fish is considered one of the most incredibly beautiful of all the species, but when grouped together with others the decision of which is most beautiful would be difficult indeed. Some species such as the Sumatra fighting fish, Siamese fighting fish, Malayan bettas, Java fighting fish, pearl gouramis and certain varieties of the kissing fish have been close competitors in the beauty contest of aquarium fishes. In most species of labyrinth fishes, the body shape is highly diverse but most have beautifully developed dorsal and anal fins. In some species the dorsal fins a long and flowing, while in others they are short. All species tend to have a long, round caudal fin that in most cases is brilliantly colored. These fish are not picky eaters and are known to feed on almost anything.
The most distinguishing characteristic of the labyrinth fish is the organ that they have developed which places them in the labyrinth fish suborder. Even though this suborder is known to breathe with gills, they also have a secondary-breathing organ that is called the labyrinth. The labyrinth allows this suborder of fish to take in oxygen either from the water or from the atmosphere. One of the most interesting examples of the use of the labyrinth organ can be found in the climbing perch. This amazing family which is found in the Anabas genus has a body that is much like that of a perch. But unlike the perch fishes, the climbing perch is known to migrate by coming out of the water and traveling across the ground. In most cases the climbing perch travels around its habitat during times of heavy humidity or when it is raining. Its labyrinth organ allows it to get oxygen as it quickly worms its way forward from one water source to another. From time to time the climbing perch does not find a new water source. When this occurs, or if drought conditions dry up its water source, this incredible fish digs itself into the mud to wait for rain. Since the meat of the climbing perch is tasty, it is often dug up from its muddy type of hibernation as a food source.
Another distinguishing characteristic of some families of labyrinth fish, including many that are kept in aquariums, is their interesting bubble nest. Shortly before spawning the males build a nest, which consist of small, soapy like bubbles that float on the waters surface. After spawning, when the female is ready to lay her eggs, the male will entwine his body around the females squeezing out each egg. As the egg appears the male takes it in his mouth and deposits it into the nest. Once all the eggs have been deposited, the female goes about her business while the male protects the nest. But not all members of this suborder are bubble nest builders. Some species of the fighting fishes, such as the Borneo fighting fish, are mouth brooders that tenderly hold the eggs in their mouth until they have hatched and then release them into the habitat. Still other families of the labyrinth fish, such as the kissing gouramis, allow their eggs to float along the surface of the water.
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