Morphological Observations of The Mouth and Teeth of The Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus)

Abstract

This descriptive laboratory study examined the mouth and tooth morphology of one climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) and related the observed characters to feeding adaptation. External body form, scales, mouth position, tooth form, labyrinth organ, and gross internal anatomy were documented during a Fisheries Biology practicum in 2026. The specimen had a laterally compressed body, ctenoid scales, a terminal mouth capable of opening widely, and small, pointed teeth arranged closely on the upper and lower jaws. These characters are consistent with an opportunistic omnivorous feeding strategy that includes small animal prey and plant-derived material. The labyrinth organ and the compact body form support survival and movement in shallow swamp habitats. Internal organs were visually intact and showed no obvious gross lesions, but this assessment was not supported by histology or organ measurements. Because the exact specimen size, procurement source, and optical magnification used for tooth observation were not recorded, the findings are interpreted as a qualitative specimen-level description rather than a population estimate.

Keywords: feeding adaptation; terminal mouth; villiform teeth; Anabas testudineus; swamp fish; ctenoid scales