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Ornate Ctenopoma
Microctenopoma ansorgii
Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Anabantidae
📍 West Africa
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.
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Care Guide
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
Similar 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
Live plant that provides shelter and natural habitat enrichment
Common Diseases
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
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - small live foods, frozen foods, and quality micro pellets
- lifespan
- 4-6 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.5 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.