Ornate Ctenopoma Breeding Guide

How to breed Microctenopoma ansorgii, a Central African bushfish that is a bubble-nester; the male builds a small floating nest and up to 600 eggs are laid.

Overview

Microctenopoma ansorgii is a small Central African labyrinth fish reaching about 7 cm according to Seriously Fish. Unlike its egg-scattering ctenopoma relatives it is a bubble-nester, building its nest among floating vegetation. It is best bred in a dimly lit, well-planted blackwater set-up.

Sexing

Seriously Fish states that males are the larger and far more colourful sex, and that they have white edges to the anal and dorsal fins; breeding males glow orange on the belly.

Conditioning

The species is carnivorous and is conditioned on small live and frozen foods. Seriously Fish recommends a dimly lit, heavily planted tank with plenty of floating plants and soft, acidic water to bring the fish into spawning condition.

Breeding Setup

Seriously Fish lists spawning conditions of about 20-27 C, aiming for the upper part of the range, with pH 5.5-7.5 and hardness 5-20 dH. Floating plants and broad leaves give the male sites for his small nest.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

According to Seriously Fish the male constructs a very small, loose bubble nest of large bubbles among floating vegetation or under a broad leaf. Spawning takes place beneath the nest in a typical anabantoid embrace.

Egg & Fry Care

Seriously Fish reports that up to 600 eggs may be laid, hatching in around 24 hours and becoming free-swimming in 2-3 days; the parents should be removed after hatching. The fry are fed infusoria for the first week, after which they accept brine shrimp (Artemia) nauplii.

Common Challenges

The tiny fry need true infusoria-grade first foods and very stable, warm, soft water. A tightly fitting cover preserves the humid air layer needed for labyrinth-organ development.