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Spotted Climbing Perch
Ctenopoma acutirostre
Also known as Leopard Bushfish, Spotted Bushfish, Leopard Ctenopoma
Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Anabantidae
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.
Where it's from
Native to the Congo river basin
Congo - Kinshasa
At a glance
- Size
- 3.5 in
- 9 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal
- 76 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- All levels
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
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
See all 6Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones
Peaceful bottom dweller that won't compete for food or space
Similar labyrinth fish; may compete for territory but generally compatible in larger tanks
Peaceful bottom feeder that occupies different ecological niche
Provides essential hiding spots and climbing surfaces
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Labyrinth Organ Infection, Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against surfaces
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
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration and remove decaying plant matter
Labyrinth Organ Infection
Difficulty breathing at water surface, gasping, inability to produce bubble nest, lethargy
Maintain pristine water conditions, increase aeration, use antibacterial treatments; ensure adequate access to water surface for air gulping
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, scratching behavior
Increase temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform daily water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment; reduce light exposure during treatment
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: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 3.5 in9 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal76 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- All levels
- Lifespan
- 4-6 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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