People usually search for “climbing gourami” when they’re trying to identify a fish they’ve been sold, double-check adult size, or work out whether it’s suitable (and legal) to keep. That matters because two different fish are often mixed up under the same name, and they don’t behave the same way in a home aquarium.
Below is a clear, practical guide to the true climbing gourami (the climbing perch, Anabas testudineus) and the commonly mislabelled look‑alike (the three‑spot/blue gourami, Trichopodus trichopterus). If you’re in Australia, pay close attention to the legal notes—Anabas testudineus is treated as a serious invasive species in Queensland.6, 7
Quick facts (check the species first)
- True “climbing gourami” / climbing perch: Anabas testudineus (family Anabantidae). A hardy air‑breather that can move short distances over damp ground.2, 8
- Commonly sold as “climbing gourami” by mistake: three‑spot/blue gourami Trichopodus trichopterus (family Osphronemidae). A bubble‑nesting gourami that stays in the tank like a normal aquarium fish.10
Why it matters: the original draft mixed these species and their breeding behaviour. Climbing perch (Anabas) typically do not build bubble nests or guard eggs in the way many gouramis do.1
Species identification: what you’re actually keeping
Climbing perch (Anabas testudineus)
This is the fish most people mean by “climbing gourami” in the strict sense. It’s a labyrinth fish with an accessory breathing organ that lets it take oxygen from the air, which is why you’ll see it rising to gulp at the surface.2
It’s also famous for short overland movements in damp conditions—more of a determined wriggle and push than a true “walk”, using fins and the edges of the gill covers for purchase.8
Three‑spot/blue gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus)
This is the fish that best matches much of the original care advice (community tank notes, bubble nesting). It’s also a labyrinth fish, but it isn’t the “climbing perch” people talk about leaving the water and travelling between ponds.10
Natural range and habitat
Climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) is native across parts of South and Southeast Asia, living in slow waters such as ponds, swamps, canals and ditches—places where oxygen levels can drop and air‑breathing becomes a real advantage.2, 8
Adult size, lifespan, and what that means for your tank
The original draft claimed “up to 30 cm”. In reliable summaries, Anabas testudineus is more commonly listed to about 25 cm total length, though size varies by population and conditions.3, 8
Plan for the fish you might actually end up with:
- Climbing perch (Anabas testudineus): strong-bodied, can reach around 25 cm; tends to need more space and more careful stocking than many “peaceful community” fish.3, 8
- Three‑spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus): commonly around 15 cm, and widely kept in planted aquariums with gentle flow.10
Labyrinth fish basics (air-breathing without the myths)
Both fish discussed here are labyrinth fish, meaning they can breathe atmospheric oxygen as well as using gills. In the aquarium this usually looks like steady, unhurried trips to the surface for air.2
That doesn’t mean they “don’t need oxygen” or that you can neglect filtration. It means they can tolerate lower‑oxygen conditions better than many fish, but stable, clean water still matters.
Water conditions (practical ranges, not fragile numbers)
For the commonly kept gourami that’s often mislabelled (Trichopodus trichopterus), reputable aquarium references describe a broad workable range: about 22–28 °C and pH roughly 6.0–8.0, with the fish being hardy and adaptable in typical tropical freshwater setups.10
If you truly have Anabas testudineus, expect a tough, adaptable fish—but don’t treat it as an excuse for poor maintenance. Aim for steady tropical temperatures, clean water, and a secure lid (more on that below).
Tank setup: how to keep them contained and calm
Whichever species you have, think like the fish: warm, still water; shade; tangles of plants; and a surface they can reach easily for air.
- Use a tight-fitting lid. Labyrinth fish regularly visit the surface, and climbing perch are especially notorious for escaping in damp conditions.8
- Keep flow gentle. Both species come from slower waters; strong current can leave them constantly fighting the tank.10
- Build cover. Use driftwood, robust plants, and calm corners so the fish can settle without constant display and posturing.
Feeding and diet
The original draft described an omnivorous diet, which is broadly true for both fish. The three‑spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) is commonly described as an omnivore that readily takes prepared, frozen, and live foods, and may also nibble plants.10
In practical terms:
- Use a quality staple pellet or flake.
- Add frozen/live foods (such as brine shrimp or bloodworms) as regular enrichment.
- Offer vegetable matter occasionally (especially if you notice plant‑nibbling).
- Feed modest portions; remove uneaten food to protect water quality.
Temperament and compatibility
The original article labelled “climbing gourami” as peaceful and suited to groups. That can be true for three‑spot gouramis in the right tank, but it is not a safe blanket rule when the fish might actually be a climbing perch.
Three‑spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) is widely kept as a community fish, though individuals can become pushy—especially in cramped tanks or during breeding. Space, sight breaks, and careful tankmate choice make a difference.10
Climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) is better approached as a robust predator/forager rather than a gentle community fish, particularly as it grows. If you’re unsure of the species, stock conservatively until you confirm the identification.
Breeding: correcting the bubble-nest claim
The original draft stated that males “build bubble nests and guard the eggs and fry”. That behaviour matches many gouramis (including Trichopodus trichopterus) but does not generally apply to the climbing perch genus Anabas, which is described as not tending eggs in the same way.1, 10
Common health issues (what usually goes wrong first)
Climbing perch and gouramis are not “disease magnets”, but the same pattern shows up again and again in home tanks: stress, then infection.
- Bacterial fin damage and sores: often tied to poor water quality or bullying.
- External parasites (white spot/Ich): often appears after temperature swings, transport, or new fish introductions.
- Fungal patches: commonly follow an injury or ongoing stress rather than appearing out of nowhere.
The quiet preventative work—stable temperature, routine water changes, quarantine for new arrivals—usually achieves more than any bottle of “cure-all”.
Australia note: don’t release, and check your state rules
Never release aquarium fish into local waterways. Even hardy, familiar species can become invasive, and once established they’re almost impossible to remove.
In Queensland, the climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) is listed as a restricted noxious fish under state biosecurity rules, with strict obligations around keeping, moving, and disposal if caught.6, 7
Is a “climbing gourami” the same as a Siamese fighting fish?
No. Siamese fighting fish are Betta splendens. “Climbing gourami” is commonly used for climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) and is also misapplied to other gouramis in the trade.
Do climbing gourami really walk on land?
Climbing perch can move short distances over damp ground by wriggling and pushing with fins, supported in part by gill-cover edges. It’s not a true walk, but it is effective enough to help them shift between water bodies in wet conditions.8
Why is my fish gulping air at the surface?
Labyrinth fish breathe air as part of normal behaviour. Frequent frantic gulping, though, can also signal poor water quality or low dissolved oxygen—check temperature, ammonia/nitrite, and surface agitation.
What tank size do they need?
Tank size depends on which fish you have. Three‑spot gouramis are commonly kept from around 30 gallons (~115 L) upwards, while climbing perch grow larger-bodied and should be given substantially more room and a tightly secured lid.10
References
- Climbing gourami (family overview, labyrinth organ and variation in parental care) – Wikipedia
- Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus) – U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- Anabas testudineus summary (size data) – FishBase
- Anabas (genus overview and air-breathing notes) – Wikipedia
- Anabas testudineus (distribution overview) – Wikipedia
- Your legal obligation for invasive freshwater animals – Queensland Government
- Climbing perch (restricted noxious fish) – Business Queensland
- Climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) – Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Trichopodus trichopterus (three-spot/blue gourami care and parameters) – Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine
- Trichopodus trichopterus (breeding as bubblenester, size and hardiness) – Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom