banded ctenopoma

[Briarmoor]

I picked up some fish books at a used book store and found some really nice fish within. I happened upon a West African labyrinth fish called a Ctenopoma Fasciolaturm (banded ctenopoma). Anyone herr every kept one or knew anyone who has some? I wonder if they are hard to obtain? They look like a very durable fish, inbetween the Dwarf and 3-spot variety of gourami in size, around 3 inches the book says. They are a steel blue/gray color with white banding (if that is the right term) on the fins. Head not unsimilar to a 3-spot head.

So many fish, so few tanks, so little time. I want them all!

Hey, see my Paradise Fish!

P.

 

[Elisabeth83]

A new shop I just started going to the owner keeps them. He keeps quite a few more rare/unusual labyrinth fish. I could get a pair if I'd liked but since he's got so many types of labyrinth fish to choose from and I've only got a certain amount of tanks I've got to choose carefully

He said they are wonderful fish. From looking at pictures I think they are awesome looking

 

[Fruitbat]

The Banded Bush Fish is now considered to be in the genus Microctenopoma along with a few other members of the group (so it is Microctenopoma fasciolatum). They are great fish, remaining relatively small (about 3 1/2 inches or so) and are tough enough to hold their own against most other fish while not being particularly aggressive. I've got a pair of these fish which have not yet spawned for me.

One caution, however.....there are a couple of color forms of this fish. The one you see most often in the fish books is the 'blue' form which is, indeed, a spectacular fish. More often available around here (Texas) is the 'brown' form which, while having a subtle beauty of its own, isn't as pretty as the 'blue' form.

Here's my young male Microctenopoma fasciolatum. The body coloration is rather drab but the fins are beautiful.

NOTE: See this thread for some pictures of some other Bush Fish:

Oddball labyrinth fish thread

-Joe