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Ornate Ctenopoma

Microctenopoma ansorgii

Freshwater West and central Africa

A splendid miniature anabantoid whose males flaunt intense alternating dark and orange-red bars with pointed fins. It breathes atmospheric air via a labyrinth organ and prefers slow, heavily planted, dark setups. Be cautious, as any tiny fish will be hunted.

Also called: Orange Ctenopoma, Ornate climbing perch, Ornate ctenopoma, Pretty ctenopoma, Rainbow ctenopoma.

6 cm adult length, drawn to scale. deep body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 6 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 70 L, at least 60 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 15 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 2 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 24 to 28 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 5.5 to 7 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 2 to 10, KH 1 to 4 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Low Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Dim Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Peaceful Territorial: weak.
Swims in All levels Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 5 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Some experience helps A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.
Jumps Yes Keep the tank covered.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Ornate Ctenopoma is an carnivore that swims in all levels of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it plenty of cover. It will eat fish small enough to swallow.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.