Tailspot Ctenopoma

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Because it uses the middle part of the aquarium, leave enough open swimming space instead of crowding that part of the aquarium.

The listed lifespan is up to 10 years.

Water parameters

The temperature range for this fish is 20–26 °C. Compare it carefully with the aquarium target temperature instead of assuming every tropical community setup is suitable.

The pH range for this fish is 6–8. That points to a broad freshwater range, but stability is more important than sudden corrections.

The GH range for this fish is 5–15 dGH. That gives some flexibility, but sudden changes are usually more stressful than a stable value that is slightly imperfect.

Temperament and compatibility

Tailspot Ctenopoma needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data suggests space, boundaries, or similar-sized fish may matter.

Because this fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, compatibility is easier when other fish are not all competing for the same swimming space.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space 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.

Before adding this fish

• Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
• Keep pH stable within the listed range instead of making sudden corrections.
• Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
• Offer a varied diet that matches this species.