Climbing Perch

Description:

Small fish with spiny dorsal fins.

Habitat:

There are three large lakes near my house and during the monsoons, the waters overflow. many types of fishes are scooped up by the kids...kept as "pets" for a few days and then either it dies or is released.

Notes:

Koi-mach in Bangla. Mach is the generic term for fish. These fish have accessory respiratory system and can use atmospheric oxygen if out of water for a while. Urban legends in Bengal have these fish climbing trees and "walking"across paddy fields.