Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma)

The Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma), scientifically known as Ctenopoma acutirostre, belongs to the Anabantoids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a compressed body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.

To thrive, the Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.

Due to its specialist needs, the Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) is typically available in one standard form.

When setting up an aquarium for the Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma), a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.

Classified as mostly peaceful, the Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.

Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially driftwood.

The most common mistake is buying Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.

The Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma) is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed, and is primarily active at dusk and dawn, so offering food shortly after lights-off ensures it receives adequate nutrition.