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Climbing perch (Anabas testudineus)

Climbing perch is a non-native fish that could threaten Australian freshwater habitats if introduced and established. Its ability to breathe air and survive out of water makes it unusually resilient and increases the risk of movement between waterways.

Key facts

Type: Pest animal, fish.

Native to: South and Southeast Asia.

Established in: .

Other names: Anabas, Indian climbing perch, walking fish.

Best time to act: Survey warm, wet periods when fish are active and shallow margins are accessible, and report any suspected fish as soon as it is found.

Identification

  • It has a deep, laterally compressed body and commonly grows to around 10–25 cm long.
  • Its colouring is usually olive, greenish-brown or grey-brown, and can vary between individuals.
  • Look for a long dorsal fin with prominent sharp spines and spiny gill covers.
  • It can gulp air at the surface and may wriggle over damp ground for short distances.
  • Look-alike: Other deep-bodied freshwater fish may look similar, but the climbing perch’s conspicuous spines on the dorsal fin and gill covers are useful identification features.

Where it lives

It is native to South and Southeast Asia rather than Australia, and where introduced it lives in warm, still or slow-moving fresh waters such as ponds, swamps, canals and rice fields.

Why it matters

  • If established, it may prey on small fish and aquatic invertebrates and compete with native species for food and habitat.
  • Its ability to tolerate low-oxygen water and survive out of water can help it persist in conditions that challenge other fish.
  • It may disrupt aquatic communities and food webs in invaded freshwater habitats.

How it spreads

  • People can spread it by releasing or moving live fish, including through fish culture or the aquarium trade.
  • Fish or eggs may be moved in water, equipment or containers between waterways.
  • Its ability to move over damp ground may allow short-distance movement between nearby water bodies.

Control methods

  • Do not release, transport or return a suspected climbing perch to the water; keep it contained if this can be done safely.
  • Photograph the fish and contact the relevant state or territory biosecurity or fisheries agency promptly for identification and instructions.
  • Use only capture, removal or other response methods approved by the relevant authority; do not apply chemicals or fish poisons without approval.
  • Arrange follow-up checks of the site and nearby waters with the responsible authority.

Site hygiene and welfare

  • Do not move live fish or water between waterways, and clean, drain and dry boats, nets, footwear and other wet gear before moving to another site.
  • Use methods set out in the national model codes of practice and standard operating procedures for the species.
  • Coordinate control with neighbours and the local government biosecurity plan, as isolated effort is quickly undone by reinvasion.

Classification by state

  • Australia (national): National priority exotic pest. On the National Priority List of Exotic Environmental Pests, Weeds and Diseases, so any new detection should be reported straight away.
  • Queensland: Restricted matter, categories 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Do not give it away, sell or release it into the environment; do not move it; do not keep it; do not feed it; kill it and dispose of it. Everyone must also take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise its risks (the general biosecurity obligation).
  • New South Wales: Prohibited matter. It is an offence to deal with it, and you must notify NSW DPIRD as soon as you become aware of it.
  • Victoria: Noxious aquatic species. Declared a noxious aquatic species under the Fisheries Act 1995, so it must not be brought into Victoria, kept, sold, moved or released into waters. Report any sighting to the Victorian Fisheries Authority on 13 FISH (13 3474).
  • South Australia: Noxious species. Declared a noxious species under the Fisheries Management Act 2007, so it must not be brought into South Australia, kept, sold or released, and it must not be returned to the water alive. Report any sighting to PIRSA FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522.
  • Western Australia: Noxious fish. Prescribed as a noxious fish under the Fish Resources Management Regulations 1995, so it must not be brought into WA, kept, sold or released. Report any sighting to FishWatch on 1800 815 507.
  • Tasmania: Declared pest. It is a declared pest under the Biosecurity Act 2019 (Tas). Report sightings to Biosecurity Tasmania and follow any management requirements.
  • Northern Territory: Not a declared pest. Not on an NT declared or prohibited list. Check with the NT Government before keeping, moving or releasing it.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Declared pest, prohibited. It is a declared pest throughout the ACT. Dealing with it, such as selling, moving or keeping it, is prohibited.

Legal obligations

Every state and territory places a duty on landholders and people working on land to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the general biosecurity obligation in Queensland and the general biosecurity duty in New South Wales. Declarations and control requirements differ between states and local government areas, so check the current official list before work starts.

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