Mottled Ctenopoma

Ctenopoma weeksii

Mottled Ctenopoma is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextBeginner – Intermediate

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

Need help with Mottled Ctenopoma?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 19 US gal (71 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6.2–7.2
GH: 5–15 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: 19 US gal (71 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6.2–7.2, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Mottled 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.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 19 US gal (71 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

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

African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 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) Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°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)

FAQ

How large does Mottled Ctenopoma get?

Mottled Ctenopoma reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does Mottled Ctenopoma need?

Use an aquarium of at least 19 US gal (71 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length.

Is Mottled Ctenopoma peaceful?

Yes. Mottled 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 Mottled Ctenopoma?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.

Should Mottled Ctenopoma be kept alone or in a group?

Mottled Ctenopoma: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.