Ornate Ctenopoma
Microctenopoma ansorgii
Ornate Ctenopoma is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in)
- Aquarium size
- 80 L or larger / ≥ 75 cm (≥ 29.5 in) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom to middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 20–26 °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: 80 L or larger / ≥ 75 cm (≥ 29.5 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 20–26 °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
Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.
Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 80 L or larger / ≥ 75 cm (≥ 29.5 in) minimum length.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Offer a varied diet that matches this species.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Ornate Ctenopoma get?
Ornate Ctenopoma reaches ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in).
What aquarium size does Ornate Ctenopoma need?
Use an aquarium of at least 80 L or larger / ≥ 75 cm (≥ 29.5 in) 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 26 °C.