Anabas or a slider fish is known to many naturalists due to its amazing ability to climb trees. Such skills are very rare among the inhabitants of the water kingdom, and therefore it is not surprising that this creature has long attracted the attention of researchers. And as it turned out, not in vain, because in the arsenal of the slider fish there are many amazing tricks.
Habitat and habitat
Scientists distinguish two species of this fish: ordinary and giant. The first lives in the reservoirs of Southeast Asia, and the second prefers the hot lands of India. Thus, pineapple fish is found in China, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and also on some islands of Indonesia.
Slider fish loves to settle in small ponds, rivers, lakes, and sometimes even in rice fields. Such preferences are connected with the fact that pineapple is not at all afraid of drought or drying out of a reservoir. He can easily survive them, and if necessary, find a new home. It is this ability of the aquatic inhabitant that most excites the mind of researchers.
What does a pineapple look like?
Pineapple fish, the description of which we bring to your attention, has a muscular, oblong body. On average, ordinary pineapple grows up to 20-25 cm, and giant pineapple grows up to 25-30 cm. These two subspecies are very similar to each other, with the exception of many dark spots that cover the entire body of ordinary pineapple.
It is noteworthy that this fish acquired a satisfied large scale, able to withstand severe mechanical damage. This is necessary in order to protect her during the long trips that she often makes from one reservoir to another. Her fins are also very durable and covered with small scales, which allows them to be used as small legs. Without this, a pineapple fish simply could not move on land.
Males differ from females with a larger head. Moreover, the mouth of both sexes seems prohibitive. Such an illusion arises from the fact that it is surrounded by a black stripe going straight to the gill cover. As for the color of the fish itself, it prefers to “wear” beige tones. Against this background, orange eyes stand out, slightly bulging outward.
Why does a pineapple fish climb a tree?
Probably the most amazing thing about this fish is that it can climb trees. This is evidenced by many photos taken by scientists and ordinary lovers. Such behavior for a long time drove naturalists to a standstill, forcing them to puzzle over why she needed it.
But the truth turned out to be quite banal - the slider fish was simply looking for a new home, among the cool leaves. After all, having felt the moisture, she begins to move towards her, and it doesn’t matter whether she is on the right, on the left or on the top. As for how the pineapple fish gets on the tree, things are much more interesting here.
It turns out that this aquatic creature has small spines on its gill plates. They help the fish “stick” to any surface, like a climber using an ice ax. An equally important role in this process is played by fins, which, due to their rigidity, serve as an excellent source of motor force.
Extraordinary ability to survive
Pineapple fish is perfectly adapted to the climate that prevails in its homeland. Therefore, she is always ready for the fact that her pond can completely dry out during the drought season, depriving her of her home. In this case, she can use her survival skills, honed by many millennia of evolution.
For example, if a body of water dries out rather slowly, then the pineapple digs deep into the silt, in the hope that the water will return soon. Here he creates a strong cocoon that can hold moisture for a long time inside a small fish house. However, if the water leaves too quickly, and the inner flair of the pineapple says that it is time to change the reservoir, then he readily goes in search of.
At the same time, the slider fish easily moves not only on wet surfaces, but also on dry ground or sand. In particular, it can overcome more than 500 meters of the path without touching the water. Such a miracle is possible due to the fact that pineapple has such an amazing organ as a labyrinth. It is located next to the gills of the slider and allows it to breathe simple air, about 6-8 hours.
Anabas and man
The inhabitants of Asia have long appreciated the slider fish because of its delicious meat. Therefore, it is not surprising that today many restaurants and cafes use the named delicacy in their dishes. In addition, the fact that the fish is able to live without water for a long time, simplifies its transportation to its destination.
This benefit has led to the fact that today pineapple is bred in many parts of the world. And all would be fine if not for the fantastic survival of this creature. Having acclimatized in new regions, he began to rapidly increase his population, thereby inhibiting other species of fish.
In addition, some naturalists plant pineapple as a pet. True, the aggressive disposition of such a pet greatly limits the list of neighbors who are able to get along with him in the same aquarium.