Reproduction and spawning behavior of the climbing perch Anabas testudineus (Perciformes, Anabantidae) in an aquarium

Abstract

Results of study of the spawning and reproductive behavior of the climbing perch Anabas testudineus in an aquarium are presented. Main specific features of reproduction of this species are revealed. In the performed experiments, climbing perches did not build a nest, did not prepare a spawning substrate, and did not show any forms of parental care. The pre-spawning and spawning behavior of the climbing perch is described, and fecundity and gonadosomatic index are determined. It is shown that intermittent spawning is typical of these fish. Mating system of the climbing perch is either polygamy or promiscuity. Sexual dimorphism in the climbing perch was not found. The eggs of the climbing perch have positive buoyancy and belong to the really pelagic type, which is rare for freshwater fish. Infanticide is a common phenomenon for the climbing perch. Breeding of the given species under aquarium conditions can be exercised without artificial hormonal stimulation, at different sex ratio, and under conditions of stocking density considerably exceeding standard aquacultural recommendations. The main specific features of reproduction of the climbing perch are discussed in relation to evolution of parental care in labyrinth fishes.