LABYRI-NTMICi. 
171 
FAMILY LABYRINTHICI. (Giintli. Cat. vol. iii.) 
Char. Head covered with scales, teeth small. Gill 
opening rather narrow. A snperbranchial organ, 
composed of thin laininse, situated in a cavity above 
the gills. The fishes of this family are remarkable 
for the length of time they can exist out of - the 
water. The peculiar apparatus with which their 
gills are provided, seems to enable them to breathe 
as well, or better, out of the water as in it. 
GENUS ANABAS. 
Char. Prmorbital and opercles serrated. Lateral 
line interrupted. 
1. Anabas scandens. 
LIab. India generally, near the coast. 6 inches. 
This fish is most remarkable for its powers of living- 
in the air. The fishermen keep them for five or six 
days in an earthen pot or covered basket. If in a 
basket, it is necessary to keep it securely covered, as 
they can climb up the sides and escape with the 
greatest ease. They can travel a long distance on 
land, on occasions when the water they are living in 
becomes stagnant or dried up, and they can also, in 
common with several other Indian fishes, remain in a 
semi-torpid condition under the mud for months 
together. Hence they are often found after a heavy 
storm in places where they would the least be 
