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
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Bubble nester · Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Anabantidae
- Origin
- Cameroon to Congo coastal basins
Overview
The Dwarf bushfish is a small African labyrinth fish, roughly the size and temperament of a gourami. It suits a planted tank and is of medium difficulty.
Did you know
The Dwarf bushfish is the gateway African bushfish, scaled to the 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.
Caring for the dwarf bushfish
Keep the Dwarf bushfish as a pair or small group in a well-planted tank of at least 14 gal (54 L). Males claim territories and spar, so use plants, driftwood and caves to break up sight lines. Leaf litter and low light over a dark, soft bottom suit it.
Keep the water warm and soft, at 72 to 81°F (22 to 27°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.2, with gentle flow. Feed small meaty foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and small frozen items.
It is mostly peaceful but will still eat very small fish. Pick tank mates with care and keep it alongside calm West Africans of a similar size.
In breeding dress, males darken and show bold bars. The male builds a bubble nest and guards the eggs and fry. Spawning it is an achievable, medium-difficulty project.
Good to know
Microctenopoma nanum is an African labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae. Its species name means dwarf, and it is also sold as the dwarf ctenopoma. Like its relatives, it breathes air through a labyrinth organ.
In the wild
The Dwarf bushfish ranges from southern Cameroon and Gabon into the Congo basin. It lives in slow, shaded forest creeks with soft, slightly acidic water and dense marginal plants.
Common questions
What size tank does a dwarf bushfish need?
A dwarf bushfish needs at least 14 gal (54 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a dwarf bushfish need?
A dwarf bushfish is comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.2.
What does a dwarf bushfish eat?
A Dwarf bushfish eats small meaty foods, such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and small frozen items. It will also eat very small fish.
How big does a dwarf bushfish get?
An adult dwarf bushfish reaches about 3 in (7.5 cm).
How can you tell a male dwarf bushfish from a female?
Males darken and show bold bars when they are in breeding dress.
How does a dwarf bushfish breed?
Males build a bubble nest and guard the eggs and fry. Spawning a Dwarf bushfish is an achievable, medium-difficulty project.
Related species
3 in (7.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Congo bushfish
Microctenopoma congicum
3 in (7.5 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)
3.1 in (8 cm)24 gal (90 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)Banded bushfish
Microctenopoma fasciolatum
3.1 in (8 cm) · 24 gal (90 L)
3.1 in (8 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Ornate bushfish
Microctenopoma ansorgii
3.1 in (8 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)
4.7 in (12 cm)42 gal (160 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Mottled bushfish
Ctenopoma weeksii
4.7 in (12 cm) · 42 gal (160 L)
4.7 in (12 cm)42 gal (160 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Niger Delta bushfish
Ctenopoma nebulosum
4.7 in (12 cm) · 42 gal (160 L)
5.9 in (15 cm)42 gal (160 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Eyespot bushfish
Ctenopoma ocellatum
5.9 in (15 cm) · 42 gal (160 L)