Leopard Ctenopoma

General information

Commonly known as Leopard Ctenopoma or Spotted Climbing Perch, Ctenopoma acutirostre is a freshwater fish species native to Africa. 
The Leopard Ctenopoma can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length and has a lifespan of around 5 years in captivity. They are a nocturnal species and prefer to hide during the day. This species requires a well-filtered aquarium with plenty of hiding places, such as caves and plants.

In their natural habitat, Leopard Ctenopoma feed on insects, crustaceans, and small fish. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of foods such as pellets, flakes, freeze-dried and frozen foods, and live foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.

It can be challenging to determine the sex of Leopard Ctenopoma. Males may be slightly larger and have more pointed dorsal fins than females. During breeding, males may display brighter colors.

Breeding Leopard Ctenopoma in captivity is possible but can be difficult. They are bubble nest builders and require a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water. The male will build a nest, and the female will lay eggs inside. After spawning, the male will guard the nest until the fry hatch.

Leopard Ctenopoma are relatively hardy but can be prone to bacterial and fungal infections if water conditions are not maintained correctly. They may also develop parasitic infections such as Ich.

Leopard Ctenopoma are native to Africa, specifically the Congo Basin.

Leopard Ctenopoma are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish species. However, they may become territorial during breeding or if kept in small aquariums with limited hiding places.

It is essential to properly acclimate Leopard Ctenopoma to their new aquarium to minimize stress and increase their chances of survival. The acclimation process should take around 30 minutes to an hour, gradually introducing small amounts of aquarium water into the bag or container the fish came in.