Anabantids
Anabantids are fish that have a labrynth organ. This allows them to breathe air. This doesn't mean you should take them out of the water!
Bettas
These fish are often kept in small bowls. I do not beleive in this way to keep them, but they seem to do okay.They will thrive in any water conditions, as long as you avoid the extremes. They only get about 3 in. long, and there are many different kinds.
A male Crowntail Betta.
Gouramis
These anabantoids have been popular for a long time. They enjoy warm, neutral to acidic water. The smallest Gourami, the Sparkling Gourami, is only about 1 in. long. On the other side of the spectrum, the Giant Gourami can reach 4 feet in length. The 2 in. Dwarf Gourami is very attractive. At 4 in. long, the Three Spot Gourami has a few different forms. Those forms are gold, opaline, blue, and platinum. The 2 in. Chocolate Gourami is very delicate and disease susceptible. Honey Gouramis only get about 1.5 in. long. Pearl Gouramis are 4 in. fish that are very attractive. The Snake Skin Gourami can get up to 7 in. long. The 2.5 in. Thicklip Gourami is very peaceful.
A very giant Giant Gourami.
A female Thicklip Gourami with its feelers nipped off.
A female Chocolate Gourami with a slight case of ick.
Ctenopoma
There is only one common species of this fish, but you can find different kinds on the internet. These fish like warm and acidic water. The Spotted Climbing Perch, or African Leaf-Fish, is often thought to have a maximum length of 4 inches, but 8 in. is more likely. Ornate Ctenopomas only get about 3 in. long.
Other Anabantoids
There are a few otherspecies of anabantids. The 4 inch paradise fish is great but sometimes is aggressive. Snakeheads are large and aggressive fish that are sometimes called anabantoids.
