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Damas' climbing perch (Microctenopoma damasi) — Anabantidae

Damas' climbing perch

Microctenopoma damasi
Family: Anabantidae
LC · Least Concern

The Damas' climbing perch (Microctenopoma damasi) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central Africa; swampy, plant-rich waters of the Congo basin and surroundings.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Damas' climbing perch is a small African labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae from Central Africa. The species grows to only about 7 cm and has a stocky, brownish body. Like other labyrinth fishes it has an accessory breathing organ with which it can gulp air at the surface, an adaptation to oxygen-poor swampy, plant-rich waters. As a small ambush feeder it eats insects, crustaceans and small invertebrates. Climbing perches often build a foam nest for the eggs. The species is occasionally kept as an aquarium fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Damas' climbing perch?

The Damas' climbing perch has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Labyrinth organ for air breathing; often builds a bubble nest for the eggs.

Where does the Damas' climbing perch live?

The Damas' climbing perch lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa; swampy, plant-rich waters of the Congo basin and surroundings.

How big does the Damas' climbing perch get?

The Damas' climbing perch grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Damas' climbing perch dangerous to humans?

No, the Damas' climbing perch is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Damas' climbing perch edible?

The Damas' climbing perch is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Damas' climbing perch sourced
Scientific name
Microctenopoma damasi
Family
Anabantidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Central Africa; swampy, plant-rich waters of the Congo basin and surroundings.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insects, crustaceans and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Labyrinth organ for air breathing; often builds a bubble nest for the eggs. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Microctenopoma

More from the family Anabantidae

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