All fish / Anabantidae

Ornate Ctenopoma

Microctenopoma ansorgii

Also known as ansorgii ctenopoma, orange bushfish, pygmy leaf fish, ansorge's ctenopoma, ctenopoma ansorgii, ornate bushfish, ornate climbing perch, ansorgi, クテノポマ・アンソルギー, 橘色非洲攀鲈, 安索吉攀鲈

This is a small African labyrinth fish with a long dorsal and anal fin. The body is barred in dark green or brown over orange, and the fin edges are white. Males in breeding dress turn a deep orange. Hobbyists keep it for its colour and quiet, retiring nature in dimly lit, heavily planted tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Pair or small group of 4 to 6

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, small insect larvae; some accept quality pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Congo River basin: Republic of the Congo, DR Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Angola (Cabinda)

Breeding

Males build bubble nests among floating plants and guard the eggs until the fry swim free. Spawning is possible in soft, slightly acidic, warm water with plenty of cover, but the fry are tiny and need infusoria at first, so raising them takes some effort.

Good to know

It is shy and easily outcompeted, so keep it with small calm tankmates, and it may eat very small fish or shrimp. Use a tight lid because it gulps air from the surface and needs warm, humid air above the water.