Leopard Bush Fish

Ctenopoma acutirostre

Leopard Bush Fish is a middle-to-top swimmer. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

Semi-AggressiveMiddle to top swimmerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextBeginner – Intermediate

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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm)
Aquarium size: 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 5–12 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 5–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Leopard Bush Fish needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Offer varied appropriately sized frozen or other suitable animal foods. Do not rely on dry foods as the staple, and avoid feeder fish or mammal/bird meat.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Important notes

Ambush predator: may swallow small fish and shrimp; select community tankmates by adult mouth size and behavior, not a generic peaceful label.

Similar fish profiles

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

Argentine Humphead Gymnogeophagus balzanii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm) 70–77°F (21–25°C) Agassiz’s Apistogramma Apistogramma agassizii Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Amazon Leaffish Monocirrhus polyacanthus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C) Barca Snakehead Channa barca Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 41.3" (≤ 105 cm) 50–82°F (10–28°C) Barlow’s Apistogramma Apistogramma barlowi Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 11.9 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Leopard Bush Fish get?

Leopard Bush Fish reaches ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Leopard Bush Fish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 79 US gal (300 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Leopard Bush Fish peaceful?

Leopard Bush Fish needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Leopard Bush Fish?

Keep it between 22 to 28 °C.

Should Leopard Bush Fish be kept alone or in a group?

Leopard Bush Fish: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.