Ctenopoma Ansorgii - Ornate Ctenopoma

[dave_m13]

Hi All

I was just wondering whether anyone had any information on keeping the Ornate Ctenopoma?

Many Thanks
Dave

 

[The-Wolf]

similar to other Ctenopomas
min 30G
pH 6-7.5 (6.8 ideal), 3-18 dH (8 ideal), 77-82°F (25-28°C)
Males are belligerent towards one another, otherwise a peaceful species that can be combined with peaceful fish. Small fish may be preyed upon.

food for wild fish include, earthworms, small amphibians, small fish and crustaceans supplemented with some vegetation.
captive fish should have this taken into account and be fed live foods regularly (bloodworm, earthworm, glassworms etc.)

 

[dave_m13]

similar to other Ctenopomas
min 30G
pH 6-7.5 (6.8 ideal), 3-18 dH (8 ideal), 77-82°F (25-28°C)
Males are belligerent towards one another, otherwise a peaceful species that can be combined with peaceful fish. Small fish may be preyed upon.

food for wild fish include, earthworms, small amphibians, small fish and crustaceans supplemented with some vegetation.
captive fish should have this taken into account and be fed live foods regularly (bloodworm, earthworm, glassworms etc.)

Thanks

How small a fish would these prey upon? I believe that they only grow to about 3", what sort of size would they try and eat?

 

[dave_m13]

How small a fish would these prey upon? I believe that they only grow to about 3", what sort of size would they try and eat?

Would they eat cardinal Tetra's? These are the smallest fish in my tank?

 

[The-Wolf]

I think cardinals maybe safe, but most of the fish in this family are lightening fast when they strike.
try it and if you cardinals start to disappear, then you have your definitive answer.

 

[dave_m13]

I think cardinals maybe safe, but most of the fish in this family are lightening fast when they strike.
try it and if you cardinals start to disappear, then you have your definitive answer.

Thanks wolf

The Cardinals are pretty big at the moment and the Ornate ctenopoma are only small at the lfs.

I have another question, being part of the same family as a gourami, how would they get on with thick lipped gourami's

Thanks
Dave

 

[The-Wolf]

they may be in the same family as gourami but that is only because of the labyrinth organ.
think of the as perch because that is what they truly are,
small predatory and have an attitude.

having said that I can't see any gourami being a threat to it or it to them.

 

[dave_m13]

they may be in the same family as gourami but that is only because of the labyrinth organ.
think of the as perch because that is what they truly are,
small predatory and have an attitude.

having said that I can't see any gourami being a threat to it or it to them.

Ok thanks, I decided to buy one, I have put it in my small tank in Belgium and my Tefe's do not like it very much. They seem to chase it away luckily there are lots of plants, so will have to transfer it when I head back to UK.

Great looking fish, was going to get a couple but could not work out whether Male or female.

Do you know whether they are best suited in groups or just on own?

 

[The-Wolf]

one on its own will be fine.
however you won't be able to add later.
he will own that tank and any other conspecific will bee seen as a threat.
if you really do want two or more it is best to get them now so they learn to live with eachother
and develop their own territories.

 

[DarkEntity]

Might i point you toward this image of one of my Ctenopoma for mouth size