Congo Ctenopoma

Microctenopoma congicum

Congo Ctenopoma is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Congo Ctenopoma?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6.2 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 3–25 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 3–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Congo Ctenopoma is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Offer small live or frozen invertebrates; monitor intake when housed with fast feeders.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Striped Rivulus Killifish Rivulus xiphidius Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 72–77°F (22–25°C) African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Bluefin Notho Nothobranchius rachovii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 68–75°F (20–24°C)

FAQ

How large does Congo Ctenopoma get?

Congo Ctenopoma reaches ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6.2 cm).

What aquarium size does Congo Ctenopoma need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Congo Ctenopoma peaceful?

Yes. Congo Ctenopoma is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Congo Ctenopoma?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.