Combtail
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Combtail | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Osphronemidae |
| Genus: | Belontia |
| Species: | B. signata |
| Binomial name | |
| Belontia signata (Günther, 1861) | |
The combtail (Belontia signata) is a species of fish in the Osphronemidae[1][2] family which is endemic to Sri Lanka. The combtail, in addition to normal gills, has a labyrinth, or rudimentary lung-like organ which enables it to survive in poorly oxygenated water, or even out of water, for considerable periods of time. Combtails can often be observed taking air from the surface of their tank to replenish their labyrinth.
Fishkeeping
While the combtail (or combtail gourami) is sometimes found in fish shops, it does not make a good pet unless kept by itself. In a community tank it will bully other fish, and may injure or kill them. They will eat almost any food presented to them including maggots, bloodworms, flake, pellet, and vegetable foods.
References
- Pethiyagoda, R. 1996. Belontia signata. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 4 August 2007.
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