Labyrinth fish and the secrets of their maintenance

A unique group of freshwater fish known as labyrinth fish are distinguished by their capacity to breathe air straight from the surface. Because of this amazing quality, which enables them to flourish in conditions that other fish might find difficult, aquarium enthusiasts frequently choose them.

Labyrinth fish are fascinating and rewarding to care for, but they also present a unique set of difficulties. For these fish to remain healthy and content in your aquarium, certain requirements must be satisfied. It’s essential to comprehend their dietary needs, habitat preferences, and natural behavior in order to successfully maintain them.

Finding out the tricks to caring for labyrinth fish can improve your aquarium experience, regardless of experience level. These fish can become a colorful and fascinating part of your aquatic environment if given the proper care and attention.

What is a labyrinth?

Everyone is aware that fish use their gills to breathe. They remove oxygen from this organ by passing water through it. However, some species have different physical characteristics and breathing patterns than the majority. These fish are labyrinth fish that have an extra breathing system.

Over the course of evolution, certain species gave rise to a unique structure known as a labyrinth. This is a collection of bone tissue plates that have many blood capillaries entwined within them. Situated near the gills on both sides of the head is the labyrinth organ. Scientists were able to unite a wide variety of fish species under the name Labyrinth because they shared this organ.

To allow air to enter the labyrinth, the fish must come to the surface and take in air. Because of this physical characteristic, labyrinth fish can survive in water bodies with low oxygen concentrations. Fish in an aquarium with high oxygen content and clean water will perish if they are unable to get air.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the accessory respiratory apparatus develops between two and five weeks following birth. Fry require clean, oxygen-rich water, unlike adults.

Apart from Siamese fighting fish, labyrinth fish are known for their placid demeanor, but they can become hostile when it’s time for spawning. This group of species all demonstrate excellent parenting skills and provide thoughtful care for their young. By using air bubbles, the male can construct a foam nest that he buries in the dense algae. The mucous helps to attach the structure. The eggs will be found in this location.

Parental instincts are present in all labyrinth fish. This particularly applies to men. They guard their young with a jealousy and special attention.

While some representatives can only survive in water with a particular chemical makeup, labyrinth fish require warm, humid air above the water’s surface.

Betta

At the top of the list of common and unassuming labyrinth fish is this species. Years of selective breeding have produced a wide variety of varieties with varying fin shapes in addition to color. Approximately seventy breeds exist.

A twenty-liter tank provides the best conditions for storage. It ought to be covered in numerous shelters and live plants. It is crucial to consider the similarity of water parameters and maintenance requirements when merging with other species.

The reservoir has a minimum capacity of 5–10 liters. The aquarium needs to have a filter installed and plants planted. Modifying the biobalance is crucial because it will make the pet’s care easier.

The repulsively acrimonious nature of cockers is one of their distinguishing traits. Because of it, all varieties of cocks are categorized as "fighting." When male cockerels get together, they always fight. A female who happens to be nearby can sustain severe injuries if she is caught in the crossfire. Because of this, cockers are put one at a time into a small aquarium.

When two males of the same size come together, they start showcasing their fin sizes and color brightness. They eventually start fighting. They bite the body of the enemy, gaping open their mouths. The victorious male prevents the opponent from rising to the surface of the water, preventing them from taking a breath. Consequently, the vanquished cockel passes away.

It should be noted that despite the size of the aquarium, two male fish in the same pond will not get along. They will fight over girls and territory. In addition, if the female is not to their taste, some males may become aggressive toward her during the spawning season.

The cockerel will not get along with other species’ small, slow, and veil fish in one aquarium. The cockel shouldn’t be kept in the pond if there are goldfish there. Furthermore, the species cannot coexist with cichlids or any other type of labyrinth fish. Bettas eat little snails and clip the whiskers off of larger ones.

You can make do with tetras, mollies, danios, speckled catfish, and other lively, agile species that can flee and defend their territory. It is critical that the neighbors look as dissimilar to the cock as possible.

Gourami

In their natural habitat, gourami inhabit still water. Establishing a strong current in the aquarium is not a good idea. An aquarium with a capacity of 50 liters is ideal. Aeration is optional; however, for a typical aquarium, guri is recommended. An artificial reservoir relies heavily on oxidizing processes.

Preventing an elevated level of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates is crucial. The fish in the aquarium may suffer as a result of this.

Herbalists with a dense population adore Guri, but they also require room to swim. Labyrinth fish require dark soil, bright lighting, and the presence of snags in order to survive.

Guras favor a biological environment that has reached maturity and established all biogeocenosis processes. The nitrogen cycle ought to function as a clock.

This species is peaceful and gets along well with thorns, boats, and other serene environments. A settlement between swordsmen and barbuses is preferable.

Breeds and subspecies with gurors:

Honey

The small stature of breed representatives sets them apart. It’s either red or golden in hue. They are held in groups or in pairs. The aquarium holds a lot of live plants and has a 40-liter capacity. Easily gets along with peaceful fish.

Pearl

The color of the fish is peculiar. The background is silvery-purple with lots of spots. A pearl gourami’s maximum growth is 12 cm. The ideal settings for these fish are small schools with a predominance of female fish. Get along with animals that are calm.

Dwarf

Their appearance bears some resemblance to a cock, with the exception of slightly smaller fins. The dwarf gourami is also devoid of vivid colors. These inconspicuous fish prefer to live in schools and only reach a maximum size of three to four centimeters. They favor species aquariums with lots of hiding places.

Marble

A breed created through artificial breeding and prized for its vivid color. There are numerous dark areas set against a silver backdrop. The breed’s representatives grow to a length of 13 cm. suitable for fish that share the same characteristics. loves a lot of greenery.

Lalius

A tiny fish, measuring 5–6 cm. 20 liters is the minimum aquarium volume. The reservoir should hold 50 liters if you maintain a school.

Beginners are not advised to fish with lalius. They are incredibly wary and shy. Diseases are caused by stress.

In the reservoir, a nitrogen cycle ought to be established. Maintenance temperature + 27 C0. With a pH of less than 7, the water is soft and somewhat acidic. It is only in these circumstances that the risk of illness is minimized.

It’s crucial to plant a lot of them and make some dark spots. It is beneficial for plants to float on the water’s surface, such as pistia, duckweed, and riccia.

If there are enough females and plenty of room, you can house multiple males in a single reservoir.

Because they can breathe air straight from the surface, labyrinth fish are unusual and fascinating animals that work well in a range of aquarium configurations. A well-kept habitat with plenty of hiding places, soft filtration, and clean water is necessary to guarantee their wellbeing. Maintaining the health and well-being of these hardy fish in your aquarium requires an understanding of their unique requirements and behavior.

Macropod

Possesses a long, broad body that measures 10 cm. Fish with a three-centimeter tail appear longer. It’s a deep blue or olive color. Numerous breeds with only color differences have been created by breeders. Men have more vibrant colors, while women are more reserved. Macropods can survive for up to five years in an aquarium.

One boy and two girls can be accommodated with a 40-liter tank. There must be a lid on them because they can jump out of the water. A large aquarium can hold multiple pairs. They have a low threshold for loneliness and will attack members of other species.

Macropods come in a variety of color variations that can blend together.

Gouramis, barbs, mollies, swordtails, and other peaceful fish get along well with macropods. Angelfish, discus, neons, telescopes, and other species with veil fins should not be kept with them.

Leopard ctenopoma

The fish’s leopard-like color helps it blend in with the foliage. Growth of ctenopoma reaches 15–20 cm. Representatives of the species shouldn’t be placed in reservoirs with a capacity less than 100 liters because of this. It’s also crucial to place a lid or piece of glass over the aquarium. This is because the fish have the ability to ingest cold air and become ill.

Ctenopoma favors areas with plenty of vegetation, dim lighting, and shadows. Place driftwood there, make grottoes, and make other private areas where fish can hide and rest.

Although it is a nocturnal predator, ctenopoma only eats small fish. It just won’t pay attention to the aquarium’s inhabitants if they are the same size or bigger.

Without a filter, it cannot exist to its fullest extent.

The male makes a foam nest to reproduce. He tends to the eggs with great care, but if he feels unsettled, he scatters the eggs right away and ceases providing any further care for the future generation.

Is it true that an aquarium with labyrinth fish does not need equipment?

Since labyrinth fish breathe outside air, they can survive in water without oxygen. Because of this, setting up an aquarium for them is not as difficult as it would be for other species. However, this does not negate the need for tools and ideal circumstances when using the reservoir.

Rules for arranging an aquarium for labyrinth fish:

  1. First of all, the aquarium should be covered with a lid, but not tightly – for air circulation. All types of labyrinth fish come to the surface and swallow air. It should be moist and warm so that the fish does not catch a cold. Also, some representatives of labyrinth fish have a habit of jumping out of the water and may end up outside the reservoir.
  2. Gravel or fine sand can lie at the bottom of the tank. If you plan to place plants, it is better to use soil with a sufficient amount of nutrients.
  3. Many species prefer to hide in shelters. This way they feel safe and become calmer. These can be thickets of algae, artificial caves and grottoes, driftwood of natural origin. It is important to add plants to the aquarium that multiply quickly and float on the surface of the water, such as duckweed.
  4. For most fish, you can use settled tap water, but some representatives prefer soft and acidified water.
  5. Labyrinth fish live in a tropical climate. For this reason, the water temperature should not fall below +26 C0. They also prefer "old water", and frequent replacement can lead to a fight. To calm the inhabitants of the aquarium in such a situation, you have to lower the temperature. The table below shows the average data on water quality for labyrinth.
Water volume (in liters per 1 individual) Temperature (°C) Acidity (pH) Hardness (dGH)
depending on the species 23-28 5.5-8 5-15

Ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites build up in the aquarium can cause labyrinth fish to perish. These are poisons that are harmful to every living thing. It is important to test the water frequently and restore it to normal if the indicators rise in order to prevent a disaster.

Although they need care and attention, labyrinth fish more than make up for it with their vibrant appearance, inquisitive nature, and resilient nature.

Stress can be just as deadly to fish as poisons. If the fish is housed in a tiny aquarium, this occurs. Certain species of fish mate for life, and if they can’t survive apart, they perish. Additionally, hostile neighbors frequently have an emotional impact.

It is important to keep in mind that you cannot pump pure oxygen into the bag when transferring any kind of labyrinth fish. This may result in fatalities as well as respiratory system burns.

Labyrinth fish are easy to maintain and reproduce; no extra work is needed. It’s critical to give pets the right environment and to prevent the amount of harmful materials in aquariums from rising.

Labyrinth Fish Secrets of Their Maintenance
Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) Keep them in a calm environment, avoid placing them with fin-nipping species.
Gourami Provide plenty of hiding spots with plants and decorations, and maintain a stable water temperature.
Paradise Fish They can be territorial, so ensure enough space and avoid overcrowding the tank.
Dwarf Gourami Keep in a well-planted tank with gentle filtration; they prefer quiet surroundings.
Climbing Perch Ensure the tank has a lid, as they can jump, and maintain good water quality.

Aquarium enthusiasts can have a singular and satisfying experience with these fascinating creatures, known as labyrinth fish. They are a great fit for many different tank configurations because of their capacity for air breathing, which enables them to flourish in conditions where other fish might struggle.

It’s not too difficult to maintain these fish, but you do need to pay attention to their particular requirements. A balanced diet, access to clean water, and a calm environment will guarantee their health and happiness.

Labyrinth fish can be a fun addition to your aquarium, bringing beauty and mystery to your underwater world, whether you’re an experienced or novice aquarist.

Video on the topic

LABYRINTH FISH – Owners of a unique organ

Fish from the past. Forgotten and rare viviparous aquarium fish

What part of aquarium maintenance do you consider the most difficult?
Share to friends
Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

Rate author
InfoProekt24.com
Add a comment