Species profile
Leopard Bush Fish
Ctenopoma acutirostre
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
240 L minimum aquarium
12–20 cm adult size
Midwater
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Allow for a much larger adult than juvenile shop stock suggests. Small community fish are prey, not companions.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
2–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
2.5
Slow-moving ambush predator. Generally calm with robust similarly sized fish but will swallow tankmates that fit in its mouth.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
8–12 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
240 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Ctenopoma acutirostre
Alternative names
Leopard Ctenopoma, Spotted Climbing Perch
Native range
Congo River basin, Central Africa.
Natural habitat
Slow or quiet vegetated waters, marginal cover and woody structure; subdued light and dense cover suit its ambush behaviour.
Diet & feeding
Predatory insectivore/piscivore; use frozen/live invertebrates and suitably sized meaty prepared foods. Avoid routine feeder fish.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
External sexing is difficult; mature males may show more pronounced fin-edge spines, but this is not foolproof.
Breeding
Bubble-nest spawning has been reported in labyrinth-fish fashion, but routine captive breeding is uncommon.