Gangetic climbing perch
Anabas cobojius
Also known as Gangetic koi, Koi (Bengali), Gangetic koi perch
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–86°F
- 22–30°C
- pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Adult size
- 9.8 in
- 25 cm
- Minimum tank
- 66 gal
- 250 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Anabantidae
- Origin
- Ganges and Brahmaputra basins of India and Bangladesh, in ponds, ditches, and floodplains.
Overview
The Gangetic climbing perch is a large, hardy air-breather for a big, lidded tank. It is robust and adaptable rather than delicate, and easy to keep.
Did you know
Climbing perch like this one are famous for surviving out of water for hours. They walk across land on their gill covers and fins to reach a new pond.
Caring for the Gangetic climbing perch
Give the Gangetic climbing perch a tank of at least 66 gal (250 L) with a tightly fitted lid, since it can climb and jump. It is an obligate air-breather and drowns if it cannot reach the surface.
It tolerates a wide range of conditions, at 72 to 86°F (22 to 30°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. It still appreciates clean, well-filtered water.
The Gangetic climbing perch is a robust omnivore and predator. Feed it earthworms, prawns, pellets and vegetable matter. Expect it to eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth. Keep it on its own or with similarly large, sturdy tank mates.
Good to know
Anabas cobojius belongs to the family Anabantidae and is the larger Gangetic relative of the widespread climbing perch, Anabas testudineus. It is a valued food fish in its native range, where it is known locally as koi. It is also sold as the Gangetic koi or Gangetic koi perch.
In the wild
The Gangetic climbing perch lives in still and slow waters of the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins in India and Bangladesh. It uses ponds, ditches, canals and flooded fields, and it can survive in stagnant, low-oxygen water.
Common questions
What size tank does a Gangetic climbing perch need?
A Gangetic climbing perch needs at least 66 gal (250 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Gangetic climbing perch need?
A Gangetic climbing perch is comfortable at 72–86°F (22–30°C) with a pH of 6.0–8.0.
What does a Gangetic climbing perch eat?
A Gangetic climbing perch eats earthworms, prawns, pellets and vegetable matter. It is an omnivore and a predator that eats any fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
How big does a Gangetic climbing perch get?
An adult Gangetic climbing perch reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm).
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