Anabantiformes - Gouramies and snakeheads

The Anabantiformes are an order of freshwater ray-finned fish with two suborders, five families (Channidae, Aenigmachannidae, Anabantidae, Helostomatidae, and Osphronemidae) and having at least 207 species.

These fish are characterized by the presence of teeth on the parasphenoid.

The snakeheads and the anabantoids are united by the presence of the labyrinth organ, which is a highly folded suprabranchial accessory breathing organ. It is formed by vascularized expansion of the epibranchial bone of the first gill arch and used for respiration in air.

Many species are popular as aquarium fish - the most notable is the Siamese fighting fish and several species of gouramies. In addition to being aquarium fish, some of the larger anabantiforms (such as the giant gourami) are also harvested for food in their native countries.