Product Details

Ornate Ctenopoma – Microctenopoma ansorgii

The Ornate Ctenopoma is a small, beautifully patterned African labyrinth fish with warm orange, red and dark barred markings. Correctly listed as Microctenopoma ansorgii, this species is much smaller and more delicate than the better-known Leopard Bushfish. It is peaceful but shy, best kept in a mature, well-planted aquarium with subdued lighting, floating cover and calm tank mates that will not bully or outcompete it.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Ornate Ctenopoma
Other Names: Ornate Climbing Perch, Orange Ctenopoma, Pretty Ctenopoma, Rainbow Ctenopoma, Ornate Bushfish
Scientific Name: Microctenopoma ansorgii
Fish Type: African Labyrinth Fish / Anabantid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Microctenopoma ansorgii is native to tropical Africa, with records from the Chiloango River and central Congo basin. It is associated with slower, sheltered waters where dense marginal vegetation, tangled roots, wood and shaded cover provide security.

In the aquarium, Ornate Ctenopoma should be kept in a mature, quiet setup with dense planting, floating plants, driftwood, shaded areas and gentle flow. It is not a fish for bright, bare or boisterous aquariums. A darker substrate and plant cover help the fish feel secure and show stronger colour.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Ornate Ctenopoma have a compact, elongated body with attractive vertical barring and patterned fins. Settled fish can show orange, red, copper, brown and black markings, with breeding or displaying males often becoming more colourful. The dorsal and anal fins may show dark striping and warm orange-red highlights.

Adults usually reach around 5–6 cm, with some aquarium males appearing slightly larger depending on condition. Males are typically more colourful and may show stronger fin patterning, while females are often rounder and more subdued.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is best suited to mature planted aquariums, African-style community setups and specialist labyrinth fish displays. It is peaceful, but it can be shy and should not be kept with aggressive, fast or highly competitive fish.

Ornate Ctenopoma are not suitable for brand-new aquariums, bright bare tanks, aggressive cichlid communities, predator aquariums, fin-nipping setups or very active communities where slow, shy fish are pushed away from food.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 60 litres for a pair or small group, with a tank length of at least 60 cm recommended. Larger aquariums of 75–90 litres or more are preferred for groups or mixed peaceful communities.

They can be kept singly, as a pair, or in a small group if the aquarium has plenty of cover and broken lines of sight. Provide multiple hiding places so weaker fish are not forced into open areas.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Keep water clean, stable and mature. Gentle filtration is preferred, as this species does not appreciate strong exposed current. As a labyrinth fish, it must have access to the surface to breathe air, so avoid completely blocking the surface with décor or plants.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Ornate Ctenopoma are peaceful but shy community fish. Suitable tank mates include small peaceful tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids with care, small Cory-type catfish, Otocinclus, small peaceful plecs and calm surface or midwater fish that will not harass them.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, boisterous barbs, fin-nippers, very fast feeders and fish small enough to be swallowed. Although small and generally peaceful, they are still micro-predators and may eat tiny fry or very small shrimp.

Feeding:

Ornate Ctenopoma are small carnivores and insectivores. Offer quality fine carnivore granules, small soft pellets and high-protein prepared foods once accepted. Supplement regularly with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae, blackworm and small insect larvae.

Some individuals can be shy at feeding time, especially after import. Feed near cover and make sure faster tank mates do not take all the food before the Ctenopoma can feed.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This is a quiet, observant fish that often spends time among plants, roots and shaded areas. Once settled, it may become more visible, especially during feeding or when displaying. Males can show stronger colour and fin display when in good condition.

Ornate Ctenopoma are labyrinth fish and may visit the surface to breathe. They are bubble-nest builders, with males involved in nest defence during spawning. A calm surface area with floating plants can encourage natural behaviour.

Care Notes:

Add Ornate Ctenopoma only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide dense plant cover, floating plants, subdued lighting and gentle filtration. A secure lid is recommended, as labyrinth fish may jump when startled.

This species can look dull or shy in shop tanks, but settled fish often show much richer orange and dark barring in a calm planted aquarium. It is best presented as a specialist peaceful fish for mature aquariums, not as a bold centrepiece for busy community setups.

Recommended For:

Intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Specialist import or captive-bred when available

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, orange colour, red markings, body barring, fin pattern, sex, age and markings can occur between individual fish.