No photo yet
Sign in to add the first photo.
Ornate Ctenopoma
Microctenopoma ansorgii
Also known as Ornate Climbing Perch, Ansorg's Ctenopoma
Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Anabantidae
The Ornate Ctenopoma is a small, colorful labyrinth fish native to West African waters, known for its intricate patterning and peaceful demeanor. This species is ideal for planted aquariums and community tanks with similarly-sized, non-aggressive fish. Its ability to breathe air from the surface makes it adaptable to various tank conditions.
Where it's from
Native to the Congo, Kouilou, Rio Mbridge and Shiloango river basins
Congo - Kinshasa, Congo - Brazzaville and Angola
Recorded as introduced in Madagascar and Madagascar (Mangoro basin)
At a glance
- Size
- 1.5 in
- 4 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Feed small live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and micro worms 2-3 times daily. Supplement with high-quality micro pellets and occasional frozen foods. This species has a small mouth and requires appropriately-sized food items.
Behavior
The Ornate Ctenopoma is a shy, peaceful fish that spends much of its time exploring the middle water column and resting among plants. It is a labyrinth breeder and can gulp air from the surface. This species is generally solitary but tolerates other peaceful community fish.
Breeding
Breeding is moderately difficult and requires separate breeding tanks with dense vegetation. Males construct bubble nests and guard eggs and fry. Water temperature should be maintained at 26-28°C with slightly acidic conditions to encourage spawning.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar size and peaceful temperament make ideal companions
Small, non-aggressive schooling fish that won't compete for food
Similar labyrinth fish with comparable care requirements
Peaceful algae eater that occupies bottom zone without conflict
Small invertebrates that add visual interest and help with cleanup
Member photos
Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Ornate Ctenopoma to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Bacterial Infection, Labyrinth Organ Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against objects
Increase water temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; ensure adequate aeration as labyrinth fish need surface access
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, improve water quality, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure pristine water conditions
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen body, loss of appetite, color fading
Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment; maintain optimal water parameters
Labyrinth Organ Infection
Difficulty breathing at surface, gasping, inability to access air, lethargy
Ensure access to water surface, maintain optimal water quality and temperature, use antibacterial treatment; provide stress-free environment
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 1.5 in4 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal38 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
Keep Ornate Ctenopoma? Share how it's going.
Nobody has shared one yet. A few lines on how they've done in your tank help the next keeper.