Leopard Bush Fish - Ctenopoma acutirostre : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide

Introduction

The Leopard Bush Fish (Ctenopoma acutirostre) is an excellent choice for more advanced aquarists who want a long-lived, hardy, and exciting species to care for. In addition, these predators are well adapted to community aquariums, provided that you carefully select their tankmates. In their native, densely vegetated habitats, these fish employ a fascinating camouflage strategy by imitating fallen foliage and submerged debris, effectively deceiving unsuspecting passing fish. In these environments, they adopt a distinctive "nose-down" orientation, resembling harmless leaf litter to potential prey. This clever mimicry allows them to stealthily lurk and, with remarkable speed and agility, ambush moderately-sized fish that venture too close. 

This behaviour remains prevalent when kept in a home aquarium, underscoring why this captivating member of the Anabantidae family is best suited for a species-specific tank. This recommendation stems not only from their predatory tendencies toward smaller fish but also their susceptibility to harassment from larger and more aggressive species. While Leopard Bush Fish are generally not inherently aggressive when housed in sufficient numbers and provided ample space, their notably spacious mouths and nocturnal hunting habits pose a genuine threat to standard community fish.

Maintaining Leopard Bush Fish in captivity necessitates a well-considered approach, either as solitary individuals or as part of a group comprising five or more specimens. It is essential to emphasize that smaller groups, consisting of fewer than five individuals, tend to exhibit limited success and are not recommended. In scenarios involving larger groups, it is imperative to introduce all individuals simultaneously to preempt potential territorial disputes, which may otherwise be directed towards newcomers. The addition of specimens to an established group at a later juncture can induce significant stress among long-term residents, potentially compromising their acclimatization and overall well-being. Therefore, diligent attention to the composition and introduction of these fish is essential for their successful care in captivity.

Certain aquarists have reported successful cohabitation of these fish alongside Synodontis Catfish, Hoplo Catfish, larger members of the Loricariidae family, Siamese Flying Foxes, and larger Rainbowfish species. However, it is essential to underscore that the most optimal environment for these fish is unquestionably a dedicated planted aquarium devoid of other species. It is worth noting that when capturing Leopard Bush Fish from the aquarium, caution must be exercised, as the small spines on their gill covers pose entanglement risks. Therefore, a more prudent approach involves gently guiding the fish into a bag or a suitable container during the retrieval process.

The aquarium designed for housing Leopard Bush Fish should feature a lush and densely planted environment, predominantly incorporating tall, cascading plants and floating species to accommodate their proclivity for covert navigation. Additionally, the inclusion of strategically placed bogwood fragments and rocky caves provides essential shaded retreats to cater to their natural preferences. Given their rapid growth rate and eventual attainment of substantial adult size, an aquarium with a minimum length of 4 feet is advisable to ensure ample space for their development. 

In order to maintain optimal water quality and mitigate the potential adverse effects of nitrate accumulation, it is imperative to conduct regular small-scale water changes as part of routine maintenance. This conscientious approach contributes significantly to the well-being of these fish within their aquatic habitat. Maintaining a slight airspace between the water's surface and the lid is a paramount consideration for the well-being of these labyrinth fish. This provision allows them to periodically ascend and access atmospheric oxygen through the labyrinth organ. Additionally, the lid serves the crucial purpose of averting any potential incidents of Leopard Bush Fish leaping out of the aquarium, particularly when they are startled or agitated, ensuring the safety and containment of these aquatic inhabitants.

The Leopard Bush Fish boasts a rounded, laterally compressed body, elongated snout, large mouth, and big eyes. Their long dorsal fins and leopard-like patterned colouring are eye-catching, with dark brown spots scattered over their light brown bodies. Some specimens may even have a spot on their tail that resembles an eye.