Ornate ctenopoma

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Congo River Basin (Democratic Republic of Congo). Prefers shaded oxbow lakes, very slow streams in the rainforest and stagnant marginal pools rich in tannins (Blackwater).

Taxonomy and Morphology: Ornate Ctenopoma (Microctenopoma ansorgii). Small Ctenopoma belonging to the order of Anabantiformes (equipped with labyrinth organ). Stocky and massive laterally compressed body, pointed snout to inspect crevices.

Social Behavior: Extremely cryptic and stealthy. Very timid by day, it moves slowly near the substrate exploring the cracks. Shows a moderately aggressive temperament only with conspecifics during the delimitation of the territory (small parades).

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The African masterpiece: an uninterrupted succession of 6-7 broad fire orange and dark brown bands. Adult males have majestic fins (the tips form filaments) prolonged and margins finely edged in white. Females are washed out and rounder.

Aquarium Setup: Nano-tank or 80 cm (32 inches) species specific. Create real dark labyrinths: cut coconuts, intertwined bogwood, decaying catappa leaves and a heavy carpet of floating Duckweed to cancel the light.

Diet and Feeding: Demanding insectivorous micropredator. Rarely accepts flake feeds and will never go to the surface to feed. Mandatory to administer slow-sinking live or frozen foods (bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, daphnia) directly in front of its den.

Water Quality: Peat filtration is fundamental (Pure Blackwater, pH 6.0-6.5). The water must absolutely not be moving; they hate the currents generated by mechanical filters which will exhaust them quickly.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Unsuitable for standard community tanks. Would be bullied or die of starvation because beaten to the punch by fast cyprinids or tetras. Pair only with equally shy, peaceful and slow fish (small African killifish or swamp gobies).

Aquarium Reproduction: Underground bubble nester. Unlike the Betta, the male builds the bubble nest UNDER a shelter (a sunken leaf or in a narrow cave). Males take care of the floating eggs repelling the female (who must be removed).

Risks and Diseases: Lethal starvation. If kept in a brightly lit tank with lively companions, the M. ansorgii will never leave the den, not even to eat, letting itself die of starvation within a couple of weeks.