(Anabas testudineus), small Asian freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae (order Perciformes) noted for its ability to live and walk about out of water. The climbing perch is an air-breathing labyrinth fish. Rather oblong, brownish or green, it grows to about 25 cm (10 inches). It lives in ponds and ditches and sometimes emerges for short periods, “walking” with a jerky motion, aided by its tail and by spines on the lower edges of its gill covers. See also labyrinth fish. (labyrinth fish)