What A Cool Fish!

[justbinB]

I just picked up two Ctenopoma acutirostre from PetsMart. Of course, they were incorrectly labeled "African leaf fish." I really like them so far, had to get some feeder fish today, since they won't touch frozen food yet. I will get them off of the feeders asap to avoid food-borne illness. I think these guys are really cool! I was wondering how long they live, since I haven't seen that info yet. Also, I read somewhere that they develop a "personality" over time, is that true?

I wanted a larger "pet" fish for while I'm at college, and I think these will fill the bill!

Feel free to share your experiences with these cool oddballs!

Thanks

Justin.

 

[Ripley]

Welcome to the world of Spotted Climbing Perches!

I currently have three, one that I've almost had 2 years, and the other 2 I brought home a couple months ago. I am totally in love with these fish! My first was quite small (about an inch) and very shy when I first brought it home (I named it Spot... Lol). Anyway, Spot has been upgraded from a 33g to a 55g and is lovin' it! Spot is also much more friendly now as he's gotten bigger (about 3-4" now). Only hides if I give the tank a big clean, then proceeds to 'sulk' for awhile after if I rearrange the tank. Otherwise, he is always up at the front of the tank begging for food. I've heard that you can get them to eat flakes, and Spot did... Until I introduced frozen food, and now he won't even touch flakes. I also buy crickets for them to eat. They love them! The standing joke is that they act like 'Jaws' when the crickets come out. Minute the cricket hits the water Spot is coming up at it like a rocket. The smaller ones have figured this out too. Great to watch.

I can't wait for the smaller ones to grow big enough to not be potential snacks for Spot.

Okay... Done rambling on. Enjoy your fish!

 

[justbinB]

By the way, I keep seeing that sexing these fish is based on "spines on the body/gill cover" of the male, does anyone have a clear pic of what is being referred to?

I appreciate it!