Climbing-Perch

a sort of spiny-rayed fish remarkable for its need of fresh air and its ability to climb. It is a native of the East Indies. During rainy weather it leaves the water and actually ascends the trunks of palm trees to a height somewhat above a man's head in search of flies and other insects. It manages to climb by means of its tail, fins, and the peculiar saw-shaped edges of its gill covers. In this manner it advances its body an inch or so at a time. The story of climbing fishes was long regarded as an invention of the oriental imagination, or of equally untrustworthy travelers; but it is now accepted by scientists. "A fish out of water" is popularly supposed to be an impossibility, or, at the most, a very uncomfortable one; but this fish seems to be an exception. Sacs of water in the sides of the head seem to supply the moisture needed by the gills. See Fish