Care guide · Freshwater · fish

Leopard Bushfish Care

Ctenopoma acutirostre

Leopard bushfish. Photo: Karelj, public domain. Photo: Karelj · Source · Public domain (author dedication)proportional resize-compress; no crop or colour edit

The leopard bushfish is an African labyrinth fish that can wait among plants and leaves before ambushing small prey. Its spotted pattern provides camouflage, but it is not a safe choice for a small community aquarium: adults may eat smaller fish and shrimp. Provide a long tank, substantial cover, gentle flow and clear access to the surface. This guide explains its care and the limits of available evidence on breeding and sexing. Observe the fish closely after introduction and keep a separate aquarium available if the combination does not remain safe.

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At a glance

Temperature: 20–28 °C
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 2–12 °dGH
Aquarium length: At least 120 cm
Minimum aquarium volume: At least 200 L
Adult size: Up to 15 cm
Group size: At least 1 individuals
Temperament: Predator

About this species

Ctenopoma acutirostre Pellegrin, 1899 belongs to Anabantidae. The leopard bushfish occurs in the middle Congo basin, from Pool Malebo upstream towards Boyoma Falls. It has a labyrinth organ that lets it use atmospheric air. Its deep body and dark spots help it blend into its surroundings. Trade names such as “spotted climbing perch” refer to the same species, not to a true perch.

Natural habitat

The species inhabits waters of the Congo basin. In aquaria it behaves as an ambush predator, waiting among structure before taking small prey. Its spotted shape and deliberate movement can resemble a leaf. As a labyrinth fish it needs access to the surface to breathe air, so floating plants and décor must not block the entire surface.

Aquarium and layout

Seriously Fish recommends a footprint of about 120 × 30 cm for an adult. Fluval lists 200 litres as an aquarium size. A long tank provides more usable swimming space than a tall, narrow one; treat 200 litres as a cautious starting point, not a guarantee that every setup or combination is suitable. Use wood, robust plants and floating cover for shade and shelter. Keep flow gentle while maintaining effective filtration and stable water quality. Leave open surface for air breathing.

Water conditions

For aquarium care, Seriously Fish gives 20–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5 and 2–12 dGH. FishBase lists 20–25 °C as natural tropical temperature information; that is not the same type of recommendation. Choose a stable value within the specialist aquarium range, acclimate gradually and avoid sudden changes. Regular testing and suitable maintenance help control waste.

Behaviour and group size

This is a predatory fish, not a safe choice with small fish or shrimp. Anything that fits in its mouth may be treated as prey. With larger tankmates, also consider adult size, activity, feeding competition and temperament. Overlapping temperature and pH alone do not prove compatibility. Keep the leopard bushfish alone or combine it only after careful research with robust species of comparable adult size. No universal group size is established.

Feeding

The leopard bushfish is carnivorous. Offer varied animal foods in a size it can swallow safely, including suitable frozen foods and small invertebrates. Seriously Fish lists Daphnia, Artemia, mosquito larvae and small insects. Aquarium Glaser reports that fish accept frozen foods and, after acclimation, may also take dry foods. Check that food is actually eaten and avoid overfeeding. Small fish are not an appropriate staple diet.

Breeding

Specialist accounts report that the species releases buoyant eggs and provides no parental care. Fry therefore need a separate rearing setup and very fine starter food. Reliable, repeatable aquarium evidence on sexing and precise breeding parameters is limited, so this guide does not present them as settled facts. Do not plan breeding based on an unconfirmed male-female pairing, and account for predation on eggs and fry.

Sources & review

This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on 17 October 2026.

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