Leopard Ctenopoma (Ctenopoma acutirostre)

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Leopard Ctenopoma

Cteponoma acutirostre-7020.jpg
Leopard Ctenopoma

Ctenopoma acutirostre

189 Litres (50 US G.)

12.7-20.3cm (5-8 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.5 - 8.5

22.8-27.8°C (73 -82 °F)

6-20 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods
Other (See article)

5-8 years

Family

Anabantidae



Additional names

African Spotted Gourami, Congo Leaf Fish, Leopard Bush Fish, Leopard Ctenopoma, Spotted Bush Fish, Spotted Climbing Perch, Spotted Ctenopoma

Additional scientific names

Anabas acutirostris, Anabas ocellatus acutirostris, Ctenopoma acutirostris


Origin

Africa: Congo basin.


Sexing

The spines on the male Leopard Ctenopoma's gill covers are more pronounced.


Tank compatibility

The Leopard Ctenopoma should be housed in a peaceful tropical community tank with larger peaceful fish since this fish will eat any tank mate small enough to fit into it's mouth. Some care should be given when housing an adult Leopard Ctenopoma with other adult Leopard Ctenopoma as it may display conspecific aggression.


Diet

Will accept accept live, frozen, pellet food, or flakes. Feed with Ghost Shrimp, bloodworm, daphnia, krill, plankton, and artemia.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

The Leopard Ctenopoma inhabits the top and middle levels of the aquarium and it prefers a densely planted tank with roots and caves for it to hide in and to establish it's own territory. The minimum tank size is 189 Litres (50 US G.). The water should have a ph range of 6.5 to 7.0, dh range of 5.0 to 12.0, and the temperature should be within 22.8-27.8°C (73-82°F) .


Behaviour

The Leopard Ctenopoma is a predatory fish that is not overly aggressive towards other heterospecific fish of the same size or larger. It has evolved a body shape and colouration that mimics leaves that allows the Leopard Ctenopoma to hunt by stalking and ambush.


Identification

A striking fish with a high but slender body and pointed head, the body colouration can range from yellow-brown to a dark brown in base colour with large dark brown spots across the whole body and into the fins. The fins are rather short and there are spines on the gill covers. The Leopard Ctenopoma can reach up to 20.3cm (8") but in the aquarium environment it usually remains much smaller. It is often confused with and for the South American Leaf Fish.

Pictures

External links