Anabas

Genus of fish in the order Perciformes. The climbing perch Anabas scandens has large scales, and can remain out of water for a considerable time, travelling overland in search of a new pond.

It has a chamber near the gills which enables it to breathe air and uses its tail, pectoral fins, and gill covers to propel itself overland. The fish usually gather in troops for the excursions either in the early morning or after rain. During these travels they may be seized by crows and kites and placed in the branches of trees, which accounts for their supposed climbing habits. During the drought season Anabas enters a dormant period (aestivation) in a similar way to the lungfish.