Labyrinth fishes

The labyrinth fishes or anabantids have an organ called the labyrinth that enables them to breathe air through the surface of their bodies. This special organ allows them to live in water with a low oxygen content. The labyrinths are located on the top of the head, behind the eyes. It is a circular spot of tissue which is very wrinkled.
In this group we find the Bettas (the Siamese Fighting Fish), the Gouramies (Pearl Gourami) and the Perch. Some of the fishes belonging to this group form "bubble" nests. As the female prepares to lay her eggs, the male wraps himself around her, catches the eggs in his mouth and spits the eggs onto the nest. The males often become territorial and very protective of the nest.