Spotted Climbing Perch (Ctenopoma acutirostre) Care Guide

A fascinating ambush predator from Central Africa that mimics a dead leaf drifting in the water to sneak up on prey. Its body is covered in dark leopard-like spots on a tan background.

Overview

Ctenopoma acutirostre is a species in the family Anabantidae. A fascinating ambush predator from Central Africa that mimics a dead leaf drifting in the water to sneak up on prey. Its body is covered in dark leopard-like spots on a tan background. A labyrinth fish like bettas and gouramis, it can breathe atmospheric air. Patient and slow-moving, it will eat anything that fits in its surprisingly large mouth.

Taxonomy

Family: Anabantidae
Genus: Ctenopoma
Scientific name: Ctenopoma acutirostre
Other names: Leopard Bushfish, Spotted Ctenopoma, African Leaf Fish
Origin: Africa, Congo Basin

Habitat

Ctenopoma acutirostre is a labyrinth fish from slow, vegetated waters of the Congo basin in central Africa. A patient ambush predator, it drifts among plants and wood and takes small fish and invertebrates; it breathes air via a labyrinth organ.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 150 L
Temperature: 23-28 °C
pH: 6-7.5
GH: 3-15 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 12-15 cm
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: Congo Tetra, Synodontis Catfish, Kribensis, Large Barbs
Avoid with: Small Fish, Shrimp, Small Tetras, Guppies

Breeding

Breeding difficulty: advanced