Tailspot climbing perch
Ctenopoma kingsleyae
Also known as Tailspot ctenopoma, Kingsley's ctenopoma, Tailspot bushfish
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–82°F
- 23–28°C
- pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Adult size
- 7.9 in
- 20 cm
- Minimum tank
- 66 gal
- 250 L
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Anabantidae
- Origin
- Wide range across western and central Africa, from Senegal to the Congo, in varied slow waters.
Overview
This predatory fish needs a 250 litre tank at 23 to 28 C with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0, since it grows to about 20 cm and eats smaller fish. Feed meaty foods such as earthworms, prawns, mussel, and larger frozen items, as it rarely takes flake. Keep it only with fish too big to swallow, and expect it to be aggressive and territorial. Provide strong cover of wood and plants along with a tight lid, because it can jump and climb.
In the wild
Ranges across many West and Central African rivers, floodplains, and pools, adapting to a range of conditions. It is a mid-water ambush predator that lurks near cover waiting for prey. Its labyrinth organ lets it survive in warm, oxygen-poor water and even move over damp ground. Adults are large and powerful for a labyrinth fish.
Good to know
Ctenopoma kingsleyae is a member of the family Anabantidae and is one of the larger African climbing perches, reaching around 20 cm. It is an egg-scattering free spawner rather than a nest builder, unlike its Microctenopoma cousins. A dark spot at the base of the tail gives it the tailspot name.
Did you know
Climbing perches can gulp air and haul themselves across damp land to reach new water, which is how the family earned its name.
Common questions
What size tank does a Tailspot climbing perch need?
A Tailspot climbing perch needs at least 66 gal (250 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Tailspot climbing perch need?
A Tailspot climbing perch is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–8.0.
How big does a Tailspot climbing perch get?
An adult Tailspot climbing perch reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm).
Related species
6.9 in (17.5 cm)53 gal (200 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Petherick's bushfish
Ctenopoma petherici
6.9 in (17.5 cm) · 53 gal (200 L)
6.3 in (16 cm)40 gal (150 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)Leopard bush fish
Ctenopoma acutirostre
6.3 in (16 cm) · 40 gal (150 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)
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)
7.9 in (20 cm)40 gal (150 L)59–86°F (15–30°C)Climbing perch
Anabas testudineus
7.9 in (20 cm) · 40 gal (150 L)