Spotted Climbing Perch

Ctenopoma acutirostre

📍 West Africa

The Spotted Climbing Perch is a small, labyrinth fish native to West African freshwater systems, known for its ability to climb and explore vertical surfaces using its pectoral fins. This peaceful species displays beautiful spotted patterning and is relatively hardy, making it suitable for intermediate aquarists. It prefers densely planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots and low to moderate water flow.

Size3.5"

Min Tank20g

peaceful

Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Feed small live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp 2-3 times daily. Supplement with high-quality micro pellets and occasional vegetable matter. This species prefers live food but will adapt to frozen alternatives.

Behavior

Spotted Climbing Perches are nocturnal and crepuscular, spending daylight hours hiding among plants and emerging during low-light periods. They are excellent climbers and will use their pectoral fins to navigate vertical surfaces and plant stems. They are generally solitary and peaceful but may show mild territorial behavior toward conspecifics in smaller tanks.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved in home aquariums. Males build bubble nests and guard eggs, requiring very specific water conditions and minimal disturbance. Successful breeding requires expert-level care and dedicated breeding tanks with precise temperature and pH control.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones

good

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom dweller that won't compete for food or space

good

Dwarf Gourami

Similar labyrinth fish; may compete for territory but generally compatible in larger tanks

caution

Corydoras Sterbai

Peaceful bottom feeder that occupies different ecological niche

good

Java Fern

Provides essential hiding spots and climbing surfaces

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy plant that creates shelter and climbing opportunities

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against surfaces

Treatment

Increase temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or commercial ich treatment; maintain excellent water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration and remove decaying plant matter

Labyrinth Organ Infection

Symptoms

Difficulty breathing at water surface, gasping, inability to produce bubble nest, lethargy

Treatment

Maintain pristine water conditions, increase aeration, use antibacterial treatments; ensure adequate access to water surface for air gulping

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, scratching behavior

Treatment

Increase temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment; reduce light exposure during treatment