Banded Ctenopoma (Microctenopoma fasciolatum)

The Banded Ctenopoma (Microctenopoma fasciolatum) is a compact African bushfish with bold vertical banding, a cautious hunting style and the surface-breathing biology that makes labyrinth fish so interesting to keep. It has also appeared in supplier and older hobby lists as Ctenopoma fasciolatum, so we keep that synonym as a helpful bridge, but the main listing now uses the current Microctenopoma name.

This listing covers two sizes on the same Shopify product: 3.5-4.5 cm and 5-6 cm. Choose this fish if you want an unusual, medium-small African labyrinth fish with more character than a standard community species and a more secretive feel than most gouramis.

Quick facts

• Scientific name: Microctenopoma fasciolatum; older synonym/trade name Ctenopoma fasciolatum.
• Common names: Banded Ctenopoma, Banded Bushfish, Banded Climbing Perch.
• Adult size: plan around 8 cm, with males often slightly larger or more strongly marked.
• Current sizes: 3.5-4.5 cm and 5-6 cm options.
• Care level: moderate; best for a mature, calm, planted aquarium.
• Temperament: shy to semi-aggressive; territorial behaviour is most likely between males or during breeding.
• Minimum aquarium: around 80 litres for a single fish; more space is better for pairs, groups or community tanks.
• Temperature: 22-28°C, with the mid-20s usually the easiest target.
• Water: pH around 6.5-7.5; soft to moderately hard water is suitable when stable.
• Diet: carnivore-leaning micro-predator; frozen/live foods are especially useful.
• Delivery: packed for specialist live-animal courier delivery with our Live Arrival Guarantee.

Why choose this species?

Banded Ctenopoma is not a loud, constantly visible centrepiece fish. Its appeal is subtler: it moves carefully, studies its surroundings and uses plants, roots and shaded corners in a very deliberate way. The dark vertical bars become more striking as the fish settles, and the body has a neat bushfish profile rather than the rounder look of many common gouramis.

It is a good fit for keepers who enjoy natural behaviour as much as colour. In the right aquarium it will patrol quietly, hover under cover, come forward for food and show that classic labyrinth-fish habit of using the surface. It should not be bought as a tiny peaceful community filler. It is a small predator with a personality, and the tank should be planned around that.

Natural habitat and setup

Reliable references place this species in the lower and middle Congo basin, including the Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Cameroon. Aquarium reports describe clear, vegetated water with surface and overhanging cover. That habitat points to a setup with calm areas, planted cover, roots or wood, subdued lighting and access to the surface.

Use a mature aquarium with stable water and gentle to moderate flow. Tall plants, floating plants, shaded corners and broken sight lines help the fish feel secure. A tight lid is important because labyrinth fish can jump, and the warm air above the water should not be chilled by drafts. Keep open feeding space, but do not leave the tank bare or brightly exposed.

Water and maintenance

A practical target is 22-28°C, pH 6.5-7.5 and soft to medium-hard water. FishBase gives a pH range around 6.5-7.5 and hardness tolerance into moderately hard water, while supplier data supports a slightly wider hobby range. The safest approach is not to chase numbers aggressively; keep the aquarium stable, warm, clean and well oxygenated.

Because this is a shy fish, poor water quality and constant disturbance can make it hide or feed badly. Test new tanks, avoid ammonia or nitrite, and make water changes gradual. Add this fish to a settled aquarium rather than a brand-new setup.

Feeding

Banded Ctenopoma is carnivore-leaning and does best with a varied meaty diet. Offer frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, small worms and similar invertebrate foods. Some individuals will also take quality small pellets or granules, but dry food should not be the only plan at first.

Feed small portions and watch that the fish actually eats. In a busy community aquarium it may be outcompeted by fast surface feeders. A quieter tank, or a feeding routine that allows the bushfish time to respond, will keep it in better condition.

Compatibility

Choose peaceful, similarly sized tank mates that are too large to be swallowed and not so boisterous that they dominate every feeding. Calm tetras of suitable size, peaceful barbs, small catfish, Corydoras, suitable loaches and other gentle African community fish can work when water needs match. Bottom dwellers are often easier companions than fast surface feeders.

Avoid tiny fish, fry, dwarf shrimp and very small rasboras, because they may be seen as food. Also avoid aggressive cichlids, fin nippers and overly pushy fish. If keeping more than one male, provide more space and heavy cover because males can spar or defend territories.

Breeding behaviour

Microctenopoma species are separated from many larger bushfish partly because males build and guard bubble nests. Breeding is most likely in a quiet, plant-heavy aquarium with soft to neutral water, surface cover and excellent food. Males can become rough with one another, so breeding attempts need observation and backup space.

Best buyer fit

This fish suits a keeper who wants something a little unusual and is happy to build a calm aquarium around cover, feeding and observation. It is not the best choice for a very small tank, a shrimp display, a bare bright community or a tank full of fast feeders. It is a much better choice for a patient aquarist who likes African labyrinth fish and subtle behaviour.

Ordering from Tropical Fish Co

Your Banded Ctenopoma is packed for live-animal transport and sent with tracked courier delivery. First-time customers can use WELCOME10 at checkout where eligible, and our Live Arrival Guarantee applies when the delivery and acclimation instructions are followed. Please make sure someone is available to receive the parcel, then acclimate slowly and keep the lights low while the fish settles.

FAQ

Is Banded Ctenopoma aggressive?

It is usually shy rather than openly aggressive, but it is still a small predator and males can be territorial. Give it cover, space and carefully chosen tank mates.

Can it live with small fish or shrimp?

Very small fish, fry and dwarf shrimp are risky because they may be eaten. Choose peaceful tank mates that are too large to fit in its mouth.

Does it need access to the surface?

Yes. It is an African labyrinth fish and should always have access to the surface and warm air above the water.

Why does the listing mention Ctenopoma and Microctenopoma?

The fish has been listed historically as Ctenopoma fasciolatum, but current aquarium and scientific references commonly use Microctenopoma fasciolatum.