Ornate Ctenopoma (Microctenopoma ansorgii)

Remarks:  The ornate ctenopoma (Microctenopoma ansorgii), also known as the ornate bushfish or the ornate climbing perch, is a rare and strikingly colorful African anabantoid. They are known for the vibrant coloration they can display when mature and settled in their environment. While juveniles and stressed fish tend to be gray or tan with a green sheen, established adults display rich red or orange colors nicely contrasted with dark brown or black vertical bars. In males, some will also develop white edges along their dorsal and anal fins along with extensions to all their fins. Females typically have shorter fins and more reduced coloration. It is important to note that some lesser dominant males will have shorter fins as to hide amongst the females so general fin length and amount of color is not always a reliable way to sex them. Instead, specifically look at the ventral fins as even non-dominant mature males will have extensions to these fins.

  In the wild, ornate ctenopoma can be found in shallow, soft, acidic, and warm pools and streams along the Congo River basin filled with vegetation and botanicals such as fallen branches and leaves. The tannin-stained water allow these fish to blend in with their red, brown, and black colors as well as maintain a proper pH. The vegetation and leaf-litter support colonies of small worms and crustaceans which the ornate ctenopoma predates on. There is little to no current in these pools with some even being anoxic which is no problem for the ornate ctenopoma. This is because like other anabantoids, they have a labyrinth organ allowing them to take in oxygen from the surface.

  To give your ornate ctenopoma the best chance at thriving and feeling brave enough to venture out into the open, one should imitate their natural habitat. Provide them with plenty of hiding spots in the form of leaf-litter, driftwood, and live plants. Wood and leaf-litter will help in staining the water with tannins as well as keeping the pH low. Keep lighting subdued and have many shaded spots such as through the use of floating plants. Many have noted these micropredators rarely take to prepared foods so be sure to frequently provide them with plenty of meaty, frozen and live foods such as bloodworms and moina/daphnia. Ornate ctenopoma tend to be very shy fish and can be slow to eat, so tankmates should not be aggressive or overly boisterous as they will quickly outcompete and stress the ctenopoma. Instead, opt for docile dither fish such as small rasboras and loaches. Having more diminutive tankmates can actually be good for ornate ctenopomas as their presence lets them know it is safe to come out of hiding.

  If you aren’t looking to keep your ornate ctenopoma in a community set-up, they are just fine being kept alone, in pairs, or even in groups in a species-only tank. A 15 gallon is enough for one or a pair, however a 30 gallon or larger should be used if keeping a group. While these fish are typically docile, males can show aggression to one another especially when competing for a female. To prevent aggression and possible injuries, make sure there is 1-2 females for every male ornate ctenopoma and provide lots of breaks in lines of sight.

  Breeding the ornate ctenopoma follows the usual patterns for most anabantoids like bettas and gourami. A male that is ready to spawn will build a bubble nest under floating debris or vegetation which he will lure a ready female to. After the eggs are laid, the male chases the female off and carefully places each egg into the nest. The male will aggressively guard the nest until the fry hatch and are free-swimming. At this point, the male may prey on the fry so it is recommended to separate them. While this process is fairly understood and typical of labyrinth fish, many have noted it is challenging to get the ornate ctenopoma to spawn and raise the fry compared to its relatives. Breeders have noted that frequent feedings of high-quality, protein-rich foods, clean water, a slight raise in temperature, and a drop in hardness and pH give a better chance of the fish breeding. Keeping the water parameters stable and pristine along with feeding plenty of infusoria will also help in fry survival.

  Whether you are looking to have an interesting oddball addition to your peaceful community tank or are looking to appreciate these unique fish all by themselves, the ornate ctenopoma is a great choice.