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Uele dwarf ctenopoma (Microctenopoma uelense) — Anabantidae

Uele dwarf ctenopoma

Microctenopoma uelense
Family: Anabantidae
LC · Least Concern

The Uele dwarf ctenopoma (Microctenopoma uelense) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Microctenopoma uelense is a very small African labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae from the Congo basin, particularly the Uele drainage. The species grows to only a few centimetres and has an elongate, brownish body. Like other labyrinth fishes it has an accessory breathing organ that lets it gulp air at the surface, an adaptation to oxygen-poor, vegetated water. It is a small ambush predator hunting small invertebrates and insect larvae. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is mainly of interest for the biodiversity of Central African freshwater habitats.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Uele dwarf ctenopoma?

The Uele dwarf ctenopoma has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Uele dwarf ctenopoma live?

The Uele dwarf ctenopoma lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Uele dwarf ctenopoma get?

The Uele dwarf ctenopoma grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Uele dwarf ctenopoma dangerous to humans?

No, the Uele dwarf ctenopoma is harmless to humans.

Is the Uele dwarf ctenopoma edible?

The Uele dwarf ctenopoma is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Uele-dwergklimbaars sourced
English name
Uele dwarf ctenopoma sourced
Scientific name
Microctenopoma uelense
Family
Anabantidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain 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
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Microctenopoma

More from the family Anabantidae

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