Order Perciformes ( Perciformes )
Suborder Anabantoidei ( Anabantoidei )
Family Anabantidae ( Anabantidae )
Genus Ctenopoma
— Twospot Ctenopoma — Ctenopoma nigropannosum [Reichenow, 1875]. Synonyms: Anabas nigropannosa, nigropannosus. Africa: Niger and Congo river deltas. 17 cm. Aquarium with dark substrate, very dim lighting (this fish is more active at dusk and dawn), and they appreciate minimal water flow from the filter.
Although not aggressive, these are predatory fish by nature and should not be kept with smaller fish, as they can swallow fish up to 1/3 of their size. At the same time, they are shy and modest, and cannot compete with larger fish. In a large aquarium, they can be kept in a group, provided that all fish have been raised together from youth to avoid territorial fights. Aggressive cichlids are not suitable tankmates for these fish. T 24-27°C.
— Eyespot Ctenopoma — Ctenopoma ocellatum [Pellegrin, 1899]. Synonyms: Ctenopoma denticulatum, Anabas ocellatus. (Eng. Bullseye Ctenopoma, Chocolate Bushfish, Eyespot Ctenopoma, Zulu Perch). Congo River basin, Sankuru River. 14 cm. There is a prominent black spot at the base of the tail. Unlike Ctenopoma acutirostre, the pattern consists of irregularly spaced spots and stripes rather than dots. Females are more rounded in appearance. The rear edges of the gill covers feature razor-sharp massive spines that can cause hand injuries.
They lead a nocturnal lifestyle. Using their pectoral fins as rudders, they drift in the water like a fallen leaf and suddenly attack unsuspecting smaller fish species. Fish that fit into this fish’s mouth will be eaten. Can be kept with large barbs, piranhas, loricariid catfish, and Synodontis. Hiding spots in the form of tall plants and large pieces of wood are necessary. Lifespan up to 20 years. pH 7.5; T 25°C.
— Petheric’s Ctenopoma, Nile Ctenopoma — Ctenopoma petherici [Gunther, 1864]. Synonyms: Ctenopoma caudomaculatum, Anabas caudomaculatus, petherici. Inhabits the White Nile basin, preferring coastal areas with dense plant growth and driftwood tangles. 12 cm. Their coloration is not particularly refined, but the milky edge of the tail and white bumps beneath ruby eyes successfully set off the beige-gray body color. The male is generally brighter, leaner, and slightly smaller than the female; additionally, the edges of the gill covers and the base of the tail are “trimmed” with small spines.
Because of these prickly barbs, they always get tangled in deep nets and will defend themselves if you try to catch them with bare hands. Adult fish feed on any animal and combined foods. They reach sexual maturity at the age of 1.5-2 years at a length of 7-9 cm. They do not build bubble nests and do not show parental care. Lifespan 5-6 years. dH up to 20°; pH 6.5-7.8; T around 26°C.
— Mottled Ctenopoma — Ctenopoma weeksii [Boulenger, 1896]. Synonyms: Ctenopoma oxyrhynchum, oxyrhynchus, Anabas oxyrhynchus, weeksii. (Eng. Marbled Climbing Perch, Mottled Ctenopoma, Sharpnose Climbing Perch). Lower Congo, Ubangi River. Inhabitants of slow-flowing clean water bodies. 10-12 cm. Body moderately elongated, laterally compressed, with a high back, especially in older fish. Serrations are visible on the posterior edge of the gill covers. The main coloration ranges from red-brown to brown, with a dark marbled pattern that stands out sharply in young fish. When frightened, it very quickly changes color to a mottled pattern. There is a large dark spot in the middle of the body, and many individuals have white coloration in the gill and chest area.
Fins are brown, edges mostly blackish. They feature unpaired fins and a characteristic pattern: the rear part of the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins is transparent. At the same time, the caudal fin draws attention, being reddish at the front and then separated from the transparent part by a dark line with a light edge. Males have patches of spines on their gills. Adults have high backs. Females are paler, with more rounded dorsal and anal fins. Juveniles are marbled.
A very timid fish, most active during twilight hours, preferring dim lighting in the aquarium, a dark substrate, dense plant thickets in places, driftwood and rock structures for hiding, as well as floating plants to create shady areas. They fear light and hide in shelters or under plant leaves. The water surface must be covered with floating plants. Make sure there are no gaps around the lid, as they can jump out.
Can be kept in a community aquarium, but not with small fish species, as it may mistake them for prey. They can be kept in a group provided the aquarium is large and all fish are introduced at a young age simultaneously. When catching the fish with a net, it may catch on it with the spines of its gill cover. In this case, it should be submerged in water so it can detach.
A varied diet includes live and frozen foods such as shrimp, bloodworms, mussels, and earthworms. Pellets and flakes are usually not accepted, although they can be conditioned to them over time. They mature at about 2 years of age. Spawning is in pairs. They build a bubble nest, usually under floating vegetation. Parents do not care for the clutch, and fry hatch after 24 hours. Lifespan up to 8 years. T 24-28°C; pH 6.2-7.2; dH 5-15°.
Microctenopoma ansorgii, Microctenopoma congicum.
Ctenopoma acutirostre, Ctenopoma kingsleyae. 
