Can Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) and Marbled Hatchetfish Live Together?

Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Marbled Hatchetfish is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) may occasionally assert dominance over Marbled Hatchetfish.

In terms of spatial distribution, Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) prefers the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) zones, whereas Marbled Hatchetfish occupies the Top (Surface) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Marbled Hatchetfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) and Marbled Hatchetfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 90 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) and Marbled Hatchetfish need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.