Among the most interesting and unusual fish found in aquariums are labyrinth fish. These fish, which are distinguished by their capacity to breathe atmospheric air due to the presence of a unique organ known as the labyrinth, can flourish in settings where other species may be unable to survive due to low oxygen levels. Because of their amazing adaptation, which enables them to thrive in a variety of water conditions, they are a well-liked option for both beginning and seasoned aquarists.
With its vivid colors and flowing fins, the betta is one of the most well-known labyrinth fish. Within this group, there are numerous other species, each with distinct traits and habits of its own. Labyrinth fish are fascinating creatures that have something to offer everyone, whether it’s their varied species, fascinating breathing mechanism, or just sheer beauty.
This post will examine the world of labyrinth aquarium fish, covering topics such as their natural habitats, maintenance needs, and distinctive characteristics.
The ability of labyrinth aquarium fish to breathe atmospheric air through a unique organ known as the labyrinth makes them fascinating animals. Because of their special adaptation, which enables them to flourish in low-oxygen environments, they are a well-liked option for home aquariums. They are a favorite of both novice and expert aquarists due to their vivid colors, variety of species, and intriguing behaviors. In order to give them the best care and make sure they thrive in your tank, it is essential to comprehend their needs and behaviors.
Bettas
Numerous species exist, each with distinct breeding forms. It is well known that male bettas are abrasive by nature. In actuality, they were employed for fish fights. Additionally, the males have fins that are more vividly colored, resembling a veil. And the betta’s fin gets brighter the angrier it gets.
The Indonesian reservoirs are bettas’ native habitat. When cockels in an aquarium are separated from the females prior to spawning, they fight, and when they set up a nest, they chase away all the fish.
However, they choose the biggest and youngest (7-9 months) males for spawning rather than the smartest.
In order to encourage labyrinth fish reproduction, you will need a spawning aquarium that holds approximately 10 liters. Its water should be between 27 and 28 degrees Celsius. A bunch of Riccia, which the cocks use to construct their nest, is also necessary.
The male and female are fed live food in the spawning ground. Once the nest is constructed, the pair starts to procreate. They descend to the bottom, where the male takes the eggs and places them in the nest using his mouth. The male then stays to watch the progeny while the female is taken out. It is only after the fry swim independently that he is separated.
For cockers, the life expectancy is three years. The crossed fish determines their color. Fish that are monochromatic will produce identical offspring, while multicolored fish will produce a variety of colors when they spawn.
Bettas consume both living and dry food. When there are too many snails in an aquarium, they are frequently used as cleaners. Bettas adjust to this overcrowding quite quickly.
Gourami
These are aquarium fish with the greatest density of labyrinths. Even so, their name is a little bit off. True gouramis are too large for aquariums; they are members of the Trichogaster genus, of which there are only four species: moon, brown, spotted, and pearl.
With a length of 15 cm, the brown gourami is the biggest of them all. However, this fish is content.
This fish is primarily brown in color, with a black longitudinal stripe. Compared to the female, the male is bigger and brighter.
The moon gourami has a tiny size difference. It has a blue tint and is silvery. Males’ ventral fins are also reddish-orange.
Fish like these enjoy nibbling on the soft aquarium plants.
Numerous color morphs are available for spotted gourami, including blue, purple, marble, blue-red, yellow, white, and mother-of-pearl.
Grow to a maximum of 12 cm. Females have rounder bellies and are paler overall.
The gray-lilac body of the pearl gourami is speckled with pearls.
Gourami come in a range of personalities as well. Not only are there calm ones but also hostile ones, particularly the spotted ones.
Features of keeping gourami
Trichogaster labyrinth fish require an aquarium with a capacity of at least 50 liters, and brown and moon fish require an aquarium with a capacity of at least 110 liters.
Not every labyrinth fish requires a compressor. Furthermore, a filter is not required. While installing a filter is preferable in large aquariums with lots of inhabitants, it is best to direct the filter toward the wall to prevent current from interfering with the formation of foam nests. Even in a standard aquarium, the moon and spotted gourami can construct them.
In the event that gourami are not able to procreate in a shared aquarium, female fish may develop a cyst from unspawned eggs, which will ultimately cause the fish to die. For the purpose of spawning, the female and the male should be kept in separate aquariums if they swim around all the time with a big belly.
In a spawning tank, the water temperature should be 2-3 degrees higher than the ideal range of 22–26 degrees for gourami.
Guri appear in various ways. Certain birds, such as cockers, create bubbles by kissing the water’s surface and releasing an oily patch that eventually turns into a nest. Caviar is tasted in chocolate gourams.
Since these fish don’t harm plants, a labyrinth fish aquarium can have a lot of plants in it. Either floating plants (richtia, salvia, duckweed, pisties, etc. D.) or floating Wallisneria or nymphae leaves must be present. Make the soil dark and snag-filled.
It is necessary to close the aquarium because Guri is not jumping very badly. The best part is that they have a slightly soft and slightly acidic feel. Every variety of lailiuses and macropods is appropriate for their neighbors. Additionally, it is preferable to hook only short-tailed cocks. Guri can consume his neighbors’ long fins.
Goura may also share other fish families, such as apistograms, neon, scalaries, and soms.
Macropods
There is less diversity in this group. The transverse stripes on its representatives are dirty orange, and their scales are greenish. The male’s tail ends in thin processes that resemble threads, and his fins are longer.
This creature, ironically, can survive in the wild at 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, but it prefers the 23 to 25 degrees that water provides.
Macropods are surprisingly fertile; up to 800 fry can be produced in a single litter, making breeding them very easy.
They create nests out of air bubbles, just like a lot of labyrinth fish do. Males turn aggressive during this time, scaring all fish away from their nest.
| Fish Name | Description |
| Betta | Known for its vibrant colors and flowing fins, Betta fish are easy to care for and have a unique labyrinth organ for breathing air. |
| Gourami | Gourami fish are peaceful and come in various colors. They thrive in well-planted tanks and also use a labyrinth organ for breathing. |
| Paradise Fish | These fish are hardy and can adapt to various water conditions. They are known for their striking appearance and territorial behavior. |
| Climbing Perch | A unique fish that can survive out of water for short periods. It uses its labyrinth organ to breathe air and is best suited for experienced aquarists. |
Fascinating fish, labyrinth fish add a special charm to any aquarium. They differ from other fish in that they can breathe atmospheric air, which gives them resilience and adaptability. These fish are excellent choices for both novice and seasoned aquarists because they are frequently simple to care for.
The great diversity of labyrinth fish species, each with unique colors, habits, and tank needs, is one of their most amazing features. There is a labyrinth fish that will work for your aquarium, whether you want the vivid colors of a betta or the tranquility of a gourami.
Maintaining the health and happiness of labyrinth fish requires an understanding of their unique requirements, which include their preference for calm waters and access to the water’s surface. These fish can flourish and develop into a vibrant and lovely addition with the correct care.
