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Leopard bushfish (Ctenopoma acutirostre) — Anabantidae

Leopard bushfish

Ctenopoma acutirostre
Family: Anabantidae
LC · Least Concern

The Leopard bushfish (Ctenopoma acutirostre) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Crepuscular
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The leopard bushfish is an African labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae, occurring in the Congo basin. The species is recognised by its light-brown body with numerous dark spots forming a leopard pattern, and a pointed snout. Like other labyrinth fishes it can gulp air at the surface thanks to an accessory breathing organ. It is a patient ambush predator that approaches prey slowly and then sucks in insects, crustaceans and small fishes. The fish reaches about 15 cm and is a popular but calm aquarium fish. In the wild it inhabits slow-flowing, vegetated waters.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Leopard bushfish?

The Leopard bushfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Leopard bushfish live?

The Leopard bushfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Leopard bushfish get?

The Leopard bushfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Leopard bushfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Leopard bushfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Leopard bushfish edible?

Yes, the Leopard bushfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Luipaardklimbaars sourced
English name
Leopard bushfish verified
Scientific name
Ctenopoma acutirostre
Family
Anabantidae
Other names
Spotted climbing perch; Spotted ctenopoma verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Crepuscular inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Ctenopoma

More from the family Anabantidae

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