Bei der Fortbewegung des Kletterfisches auf verschiedenartigem Untergrund werden die stark abspreizbaren Kiemendeckel entweder alternierend oder einseitig bewegt. Schlängelbewegungen des Körpers und kräftige Schläge mit der Schwanzflosse unterstützen die Vorwärtsbewegung. Mit Zeitdehnung.

The film shows a climbing perch swimming in the aquarium and resting on the bottom; distinct movements of respiration are to be seen. Outside of the water the animal moves forward supported by its opercularia, which are able to extend widely. The fish presses either one operculum or both of them alternatively against the ground and is pulled forward by an effective adduction. In addition (to the movements of the opercularia) the region of the tail presses the body off the ground in a way of producing small leaps. The pectoral and the ventral fins serve Anabas as sustaining organs. Three different types of locomotion are to be observed.