Labyrinth Organ

[bunniebabe13]

I have been looking for a little bit about how the labyrinth organ works and have had a problem finding information on the actual science of how it works. (working on a project for 4-H)
Any one have a link or book you can point me to? Thanks alot

 

[babybell911]

The labyrinth organ is a much-folded suprabranchial accessory breathing organ found in labyrinth fish, of the Anabantoidei family. Formed by vascularized expansion of the epibranchial of the first gill arch. Used for respiration in air.

Or more simply put, this organ allows labyrinth fish to take in oxygen directly from the air, instead of taking it from the water they reside in through use of gills.

Thats all I could find.
Oh wait and this site
Clicky

 

[starrynightxxi]

All Anabantoids possess labyrinths which is a very special respiration organ. The majority of all fishes breathe solely by means of their gills which absorb oxygen dissolved in the water. Labyrinthine fish like these two dwarf gourami in addition to using normal gill respiration are able to breathe atmospheric air. The Labyrinth is an respiratory organ found in the upper part of the gill region. It is composed of layers or lamella which are covered by a thin covering tissue which is richly supplied with blood capillaries. This is the place where the exchange of gases between the blood and the air take place. Therefore most Labyrinthine type fish can survive in places where the water is very poor in oxygen content. With almost all Labyrinths or Anabantids the use of atmospheric air is necessary.

all oddball aquatics - dwarf gourami article