key facts:
Physical Characteristics:
- Body Shape: Laterally compressed, elongated with an elongated snout.
- Coloration: Base with brown spots, resembling a leopard’s pattern.
- Size: Can reach about 6 inches (15 cm) in length, though some reports suggest they can grow larger in the wild.
- Spines: Exhibit spines on gill covers, with males typically having more than females.
- Labyrinth Organ: Like other members of the Anabantidae family, they possess a labyrinth organ, allowing them to breathe air.
Habitat and Behavior:
- Origin: Native to the Congo River basin in Middle Africa.
- Habitat: Found in diverse biotopes, from fast-flowing streams to stagnant ponds.
- Temperament: Generally peaceful but predatory, meaning they will eat fish small enough to fit in their mouths.
- Diet: Omnivorous, accepting a variety of live and frozen foods, including bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small feeder fish.
- Activity: Known to be discreet and can remain motionless for long periods, camouflaged in vegetation.
- Breeding: Breeding in aquariums can be challenging, though they have been bred successfully in captivity.
Aquarium Care:
- Tank Size: A minimum of 50 gallons is recommended for a group of Leopard Bushfish.
- Water Parameters: 73.0 to 79.0° F, pH 7.7-8.6.
- Tank Setup: Provide plenty of hiding places with plants and driftwood.
- Tankmates: Ideal tankmates include medium-sized tetras, rainbowfish, larger gouramis, peaceful cichlids, and catfish.
- Lighting: They prefer low-light conditions.
- Filtration: A good filtration system is important to maintain water quality.
Other Interesting Facts:
- They are often referred to by other names, such as “spotted climbing perch”.
- Their camouflage patterns help them ambush prey.
- Males can be identified by the presence of spines on their gill covers and a roughly textured area at the base of the caudal peduncle.
Physical Characteristics
- Body is rounded and laterally compressed with an elongated snout, wide mouth and large eyes.
- Common length is 6 inches (15 cm).
- Coloration is patterned with a golden-yellow base and brown spots. One of the most colorful species of the Ctenopoma genus.
- Exhibit spines on gill covers.
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