Keeping multiple African leaf (ctenapoma) fish

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CharlestonGray

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 25, 2023
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I just moved my, 4" African leaf fish (aka spotted/leopard perch/gourami/bush-fish/ctenapoma) from a 48g to a new 90g tank. I want to add more.


The question do I get 1 or is 2 safer since they'll be at least 1" smaller?

Can't any info on this topic, i doubt anyone has personal experience but even 2nd/3rd hand research, or any advice is greatly appreciated.

P.s. Tank mates are a school of Bleeding Heart Tetras and gold zebra loaches. The new tank has a lot of plants and 8 big caves, the current ctenapoma spends 95% of the time inside or next to 1 cave territory should be OK.
 
I can't relate precisely to your situation but I currently have had four 2 to 2.5" Ctenopoma living together in a 40g breeder for the past 3 months without issue. I know they need an upgrade, so they will be moved to a 75g in the next few months.

They bug each other a bit and definitely have a pecking order but aren't overly aggressive to each other. They do seem to appreciate having each others' company and interacting with their own kind.

If I were you, I would add two or three, monitor closely and have a backup plan in case it doesn't work out. I would worry that adding a single could be more problematic since it could get picked on.

Hopefully someone with more direct experience can also chime in 😊
 
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I have 4 together and seem to get along well. There’s a pecking order in my tank as well. Lots of decor and hiding spots helps my ctenopoma get along.
 
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I cannot answer, but I would like to see pictures. I do like bleeding hearts and loaches too.
 
CharlestonGray said:
Can't any info on this topic, i doubt anyone has personal experience but even 2nd/3rd hand research, or any advice is greatly appreciated.
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The C. acutirostre is one of my favorite "mini monsters" and I have had a few of them over the years.I think the most that I have had together at one time was three and they either got along peacefully or ignored each other as they constantly patrolled the tank.
Also,I have seen them on a few vendor's lists recently and the prices for them have gone up considerably...like nearly everything else,I guess.
 
So, my issue is worse than I thought.
The 5yo ctenapoma- moved from a *46g bowfront to 90g.
Got a new one 8 days ago at(in quarantine), was considering 1 more.

Measured new guy today: he's only 1⅜" x ⅞"
Im pretty sure my old ctenapoma has started growing since moving last month (at least ¼"). He was def. just under 4" last time I put a ruler in there,tiny bit over 4" now.

Any of you remember how fast the little ones grow? I can't even think of moving him til he's over 2".

any tips how to speed up his growth ? Raise temp & feed 2x /day?

kno4te said:
I have 4 together and seem to get along well. There’s a pecking order in my tank as well. Lots of decor and hiding spots helps my ctenopoma get along.
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Were all 4 of yours the same size? I'm far more worried the little guy will get killed by normally benign chasing/establishing a pecking order. pecking order.


litigator666 said:
I had 4-6 specimen a few years back and I didn't encounter any aggression. Tanks is 4ft with lots of driftwood. Wish I didn't sell these as I can't seem to find them anymore.
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krichardson said:
...Also,I have seen them on a few vendor's lists recently and the prices for them have gone up considerably...like nearly everything else,I guess.
[/QUOTE

Petco/petsmart stopped carrying them. Pet Supplies Plus still does. They're in most US states, lots in the east coast , midwest. Same quality as petco/petsmart. Theyre usually franchises, so if they dont have them, friendly manager/owners will order them if you ask nice. They're were $7.50 pre-covid $12.50 now (still very cheap for something that lives 7-15 years)

Of coarse paying more from a reputable LFS is better but IMO anything bought sight unseen online or a chain store NEEDS quarantining (Id rather pay less from a chain, pick out the fish myself, and have the 7-30days to return.)
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Yes mine were similar sizes 4-6 inches.
 
I would put four of them with lots of driftwood and floating plants.
Perhaps dim light or something
They could be mixed with other similar African fish as well.
www.aqua-imports.com

Leopard Ctenopoma (Ctenopoma acutirostre)

A beautifully marked and unique fish found throughout much of Central Africa, the Leopard Bushfish or Leopard Ctenopoma is a medium growing species which inhabits relatively shallow, warm, slow moving waters in the wild. Although they are not a large fish, they are adept predators, hunting...
www.aqua-imports.com www.aqua-imports.com
 
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