Ornate Ctenopoma

Microctenopoma ansorgii

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

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 30" (≥ 76.2 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 68–81°F (20–27°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 5–20 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 / ≥ 30" (≥ 76.2 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–27 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Ornate 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

Offer mainly small frozen or live foods; many individuals rarely accept dried foods. Feed where faster tankmates cannot monopolize food.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 30" (≥ 76.2 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.

Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Agassizs Corydoras Brochis agassizii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Blackline Tail Tetra Moenkhausia costae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blacktop Corydoras Corydoras acutus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Blue Panchax Aplocheilus panchax Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Ornate Ctenopoma get?

Ornate Ctenopoma reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Ornate Ctenopoma need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 30" (≥ 76.2 cm) minimum length.

Is Ornate Ctenopoma peaceful?

Yes. Ornate 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 Ornate Ctenopoma?

Keep it between 20 to 27 °C.