| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
Labyrinth FishWhat distinguishes the Labyrinth fish from all others, is the organ they posses that gives them their name. The Labyrinth is located above the gills and consists of skin folds, called Lamelli, which are filled with blood vessels, through which oxygen can be absorbed from the air. This feature allows the Labyrinth fish to survive in water with very low oxygen levels. The general body shape of the fish varies from elongated, with slight lateral compression (bettas) to leaf shaped such as the Gouramies. The range of the Labyrinth fish extends from China and Korea, all through southern Asia including the Philippines and into Africa. Popular with Aquarist because of their beautiful colours and interesting behaviour, many species, will demonstrate courtship, nest building and parental care right in a community tank setup. This, and the fact that the most recognized fish in the world, Betta splendens, the Siamese fighting fish, belongs to this group makes them a long term favourite with Aquarists In general, the Labyrinth fish are not difficult to keep. The tank should be well lit, but not be overly bright. The substrate should be a dark colour with dense plantings including many floating plant to simulate their native habitat. In nature Labyrinth fish appear to prefer very weedy rivers, streams and ponds. Some are even found in irrigation ditches, flooded rice fields and even polluted waters. Almost all of the species are undemanding of water quality and will thrive and reproduce in slightly acidic to neutral water. The temperature range is also not overly important and can range between 68 - 80 degrees f. Aeration and filtration is not needed, especially with the bubble nest builders. As you can see most Labyrinth fish are very undemanding and can be placed in just about any community tank setup. The most well known exception to this rule is the Chocolate Gourami which needs extremely acid water to live. For most of the species feeding is not a problem as they will readily accept flake foods. Bettas however can be very fussy and some male fighters would starve to death rather than accept such mundane fare. For these gourmets Bloodworm is the only acceptable diet. Most labyrinth fish are calm and can be kept with schooling fish like the Tetras and some Barbs, but no fin nippers. They also get along fine with the bottom dwelling fish like Catfish and Gobies. You should avoid most Cichlids due to their aggressive nature. to their aggressive nature. Many species build nest of small air bubbles. These nests are always built by the male and their size, shape and position depends on the species. The nest is made at the water surface among floating plants. Some fish incorporate plants into the nest and some are all bubbles. The male courts the female under the nest, where he curls around her and turns belly up. The eggs are extruded and fertilized from this position. They usually float up into the bubble nest and become almost invisible. This process is repeated several times and the larger species are very prolific. The male practices brood protection. This involves chasing away the female and any other intruder, concentrating the eggs in the nest, retrieving any eggs or fry that fall from the nest and keeping the nest in repair. He is one busy guy! The eggs hatch in 25 to 36 hours. The fry are very small at first and must be fed the smallest of foods, but they grow very fast. After the fry have been free swimming for about five days the male should be removed. The young are sensitive to low water temperatures for a period of two to three weeks when the Labyrinth is developing. Some of the Labyrinth fish, especially those living in moving water where a bubble nest would not work, practice a form of mouth brooding. The Male takes full responsibility for the eggs and fry. A few species are open water breeders and perform no brood care at all. |
| ||||||||
Photo Galleries
