Anabantidae

The family Anabantidae is a group of small, tropical freshwater fish belonging to the suborder Anabantoidei. These fish are unique because, in addition to breathing with gills, they possess a labyrinth organ. This specialized structure allows them to take in oxygen directly from the air, enabling them to survive in oxygen-poor water or even out of water for short periods. Labyrinth fish are found in freshwater habitats across Asia and Africa. Many species are known for their habit of building bubble nests, where males construct and guard a foamy nest at the water's surface. While historically grouped together, the Anabantidae family is now one of five families within the Anabantoidei suborder, which also includes Badidae, Belontiidae, Helostomatidae, and Osphronemidae.1