Description

Leopard Bush Fish – Ctenopoma acutirostre

The Leopard Bush Fish (Ctenopoma acutirostre) is an unusual African species with a distinctive spotted pattern and a wonderfully understated personality. Rather than constantly racing around the aquarium, these fish tend to move slowly and deliberately, often hovering amongst plants and wood while watching what is happening around them.

Their mottled leopard-like markings provide excellent camouflage amongst vegetation, making a well-planted aquarium the perfect setting in which to appreciate their natural behaviour.

Set Up

Leopard Bush Fish can eventually become quite substantial, reaching around 15–20cm, so we recommend an aquarium of at least 120cm in length for an adult.

They particularly appreciate a heavily structured aquarium with plenty of plants, wood, roots and shaded areas. Floating plants can also help create the subdued environment they prefer.

Despite their predatory nature, Leopard Bush Fish aren’t especially powerful swimmers, so filtration should provide good water quality without creating excessively strong flow.

A secure lid is recommended, as they can jump.

Behaviour

Leopard Bush Fish are generally calm and relatively peaceful towards fish that are too large to eat.

They are naturally predatory, however, and their slow, almost cautious behaviour can be deceptive. They are ambush hunters and may remain almost motionless amongst plants before striking at potential prey.

They can also become particularly fascinating at feeding time, when their normally leisurely behaviour suddenly reveals what they are designed to do.

Tank Mates

The most important rule is simple: don’t keep them with anything small enough to swallow.

Suitable companions can include peaceful medium-sized barbs, larger rainbowfish, robust catfish and other similarly sized species that aren’t excessively aggressive or boisterous.

Small tetras, rasboras, livebearers and other diminutive fish are poor choices, even if they appear to coexist successfully while the Leopard Bush Fish is young.

Avoid highly aggressive species that may intimidate or outcompete them.

Feeding

Leopard Bush Fish are carnivorous and particularly enjoy meaty foods.

Frozen and live foods such as mysis, krill, bloodworm, brineshrimp and chopped prawn can all be offered, with larger foods becoming appropriate as the fish grows.

Some individuals will readily accept suitable pellets, although a varied diet containing plenty of meaty foods is preferable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Leopard Bush Fish grow?
Adults can reach around 15–20cm, although they are often sold at a much smaller size.

Are Leopard Bush Fish aggressive?
Not in the conventional sense. They are generally calm fish, but they are predators. Small fish may be hunted and eaten rather than simply chased. In that sense, they are better suited to a community of medium to large fish than a predator or cichlid set up.

Can Leopard Bush Fish live in a community aquarium?
Yes, providing their companions are appropriately sized and peaceful. They are much better suited to a community of medium to larger fish than one containing small tetras or similar species.

Do Leopard Bush Fish need plants?
We strongly recommend them. Dense planting, wood and other cover provide the shaded, structured environment in which these fish tend to feel most secure.

Will Leopard Bush Fish eat smaller fish?
Yes. If another fish can fit into its mouth, it should be considered a potential meal. Don’t let their slow and peaceful appearance fool you!

Do Leopard Bush Fish need access to the surface?
Yes. Leopard Bush Fish belong to the climbing perch family and possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. They should always have unobstructed access to the water’s surface.

If you have any questions about keeping this fish, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.

Why not check out our photos of some of the best livestock we’ve had in store over the years!