Can Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) and Silver Flying Fox Live Together?

Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) is a generally mild-mannered species (4/10), while Silver Flying Fox is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) may occasionally assert dominance over Silver Flying Fox.

Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) and Silver Flying Fox both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition.

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

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°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 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) and Silver Flying Fox together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 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, Established Algae (Otocinclus), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Silver Flying Fox needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) and Silver Flying Fox 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.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Silver Flying Fox is an aggressive eater that may prevent Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) from getting enough food.

Because Silver Flying Fox is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) receives an adequate share.