Dwarf bushfish

Microctenopoma nanum

Also known as Dwarf ctenopoma

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.2
Adult size: 3 in (7.5 cm)
Minimum tank: 14 gal (54 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Tankmates: Tankmates with caution
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Cameroon to Congo coastal basins
Family: Anabantidae

Overview

The dwarf bushfish is a good first African labyrinth fish, roughly the size and temperament of a gourami. It is mostly peaceful and can be kept as a pair or in a small group, though males claim territories and spar, so a planted tank with wood and caves to break up sight lines keeps the peace. It will still eat very small fish, so pick tankmates with care and keep it alongside calm West Africans of similar size. Feed small meaty foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, and small frozen items. A well planted tank of around 54 liters suits a pair.

In the wild

Microctenopoma nanum ranges from southern Cameroon and Gabon into the Congo basin, in slow, shaded forest creeks with soft, slightly acidic water and dense marginal plants. Recreate that with heavy planting, driftwood, leaf litter, and low light over a dark, soft bottom. It likes warm water, about 22 to 27 C, at soft, slightly acidic chemistry of roughly pH 6.0 to 7.2, with gentle flow.

Good to know

Microctenopoma nanum is an African labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae, staying around 7.5 centimeters, its species name meaning dwarf. Like its relatives it breathes air through a labyrinth organ and builds a bubble nest, with the male guarding the eggs and fry, which makes spawning an achievable, medium-difficulty project. In breeding dress the males darken and show bold bars.

Did you know

It is the gateway African bushfish, scaled to the very same tanks that suit a honey or dwarf gourami. A keeper comfortable with those Asian labyrinth fish can move to this African cousin with little extra fuss.