Tailspot Ctenopoma
Ctenopoma kingsleyae
Tailspot Ctenopoma is a middle swimmer. Best kept as a solitary specimen.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Tailspot Ctenopoma?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 7.2" (≤ 18.2 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- Middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 77–82°F (25–28°C)
- pH
- 6–8
- GH
- 5–20 dGH
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years
- Group behavior
- Best kept as a solitary specimen
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 10 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 25–28 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–20 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Tailspot Ctenopoma needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.
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.
Meaty foods such as prawn, mussel and earthworms; some refuse dried feeds.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Best kept as a solitary specimen.
- 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.
FAQ
How large does Tailspot Ctenopoma get?
Tailspot Ctenopoma reaches ≤ 7.2" (≤ 18.2 cm).
What aquarium size does Tailspot Ctenopoma need?
Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Is Tailspot Ctenopoma peaceful?
Tailspot Ctenopoma needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.
What temperature is suitable for Tailspot Ctenopoma?
Keep it between 25 to 28 °C.
Should Tailspot Ctenopoma be kept alone or in a group?
Tailspot Ctenopoma: Best kept as a solitary specimen.
