Anabantids
These fish originate in Africa and parts of Asia. The Anabantids tend to be in the medium sized range. The most famous of this family has got to be the Siamese Fighting Fish, because if a rivel male is introduced to the aquarium only one will survive. Gouramis on the other hand are very peaceful, although as soon as its breeding time they can get a bit fearsome.

There are many strains available now and you can see it is blue and red in colour. It is renowned for its aggresive rivalry with males of the same species, so it must be seperated.

It has brilliant colours around its body, probably the most colourful freshwater fish. At breeding times the colours intensify in the male.

There are two variations of the Kissing Gourami - one is olive-green, and the other is pink (shown here). It has the unusual habit of "kissing" members of its own species - randy fish?

Quite a small fish, the Honey Gourami has a golden-brown colour with bright yellow dorsal fins. The females tend to be duller.

This is another colourful fish, with red, brown and blue bands running across its body. Paradise fish can be kept with other paradise fish as juveniles, as well as with other similar-size community tankmates with the same temperature requirements. However, as they mature, males will engage in fierce battles, so only one male should be kept per aquarium.