Helostoma temminckii (Kissing gourami) are usually kept because of their novel way of testing each other’s strength. The kissing action is not, as we might suppose, a sign of affection between male and female, but a trial of strength between two males, and forms part of the courtship ritual as they try to impress a suitable female.
The anabantids are a large group of fishes found in the tropical waters of Africa and Asia. They are best known for their ability to breathe atmospheric air. The organ that they use for this is known as the labyrinth (hence the common name labyrinth fishes) and is situated on either side of the head in the gill cavity directly above the gills. The fish takes in air from above the water surface and passes it into two chambers, each of which has a rosette-like structure which looks not unlike a sponge. This has a very good supply of blood vessels close to the surface of the structure, and therefore the fish is able to absorb oxygen from the air.
The blue body color of the Paradise Fish is broken by vertical coppery-orange bands, and black blotches are evident on its head. This species was probably the first tropical fish to be kept in Europe, its attractive patterning and hardiness making it very popular during the late 1800s.
