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Origem: Bacia do Rio Congo (África)
Comp: 15 cm
Aqua (tamanho) 200 L
PH: 7.0
Temperatura: 38ºC
(em breve em Português)
truly magnificent fish - the Ctenopoma acutirostre is pure eye candy. The striking leopard like pattern and short spikes on the fins give the Ctenopoma acutirostre an exotic look. These fish are a part of the unique Anabantidae family, freshwater fishes from Africa and Southern Asia. They are related therefore to the ever popular Betta Fish (Betta splendens).
The Ctenopoma acutirostre needs plenty of room to hide out and live happily. They are carnivorous fish who love to stalk their prey, holding themselves completely vertical, bending their caudal fin to look "leaf like" before going in for a kill. Instantaneously before a kill, the Ctenopoma opens its mouth creating a cylinder type funnel and swallows the prey whole. Feedings should be various and should always include some sort of "live" food (frozen included). Favorites are feeder guppies, live/frozen brine shrimp, tubefex worms and mollusks. Often general tropical fish flake food and pellets are accepted as supplements. If these fish are given the listed diet and proper space, they will often grow to 1/2 their adult size with in 2-3 months.
These fish must have generous sources of hiding spots in driftwood, cavernous rocks and the like to be able to rest and lurk. Being nocturnal fishes (hence the large eyes) they enjoy a very densely planted tank in which to slide amongst the shadows. They are semi-aggressive, but can be good tank mates with other fish as long as the Ctenopoma has plenty of its own private caves/crevices which it will guard diligently. As well, tank mates should be larger than the Ctenopoma or else they will most certainly become a meal. The Ctenopoma does best with other fish who have mild temperaments, as this fish will fight when challenged.
Sexing can be difficult, but males display short spines on the gill covers which the females do not. Breeding has been obtained with moderate skill - but personally I have yet to attempt. The tank should be well planted and large and the temperature should be increased to at least 26°C. Water should be very soft and slightly acidic. The fish are bubble nest builders, but are not diligent parents and should be removed after spawning. Fry take typical foods including green water, fry "starter foods" and then should be moved on to live food such as live brine shrimp.
This fish has truly been an exciting venture for me. She is with out a doubt my favorite fish amongst all my marine and freshwater tanks. Being a relatively rare fish, I wasn't able to glean a lot of information from the web/books. Much of what I have learned has been from trial and error. My Ctenopoma is slightly camera shy, and truly finds her joy in hiding in her selected driftwood and stalking little feeder guppies.
(By AquaHobby)
