Microctenopoma fasciolatum
| Banded Bushfish | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Anabantidae |
| Genus: | Microctenopoma |
| Species: | M. fasciolatum |
| Binomial name | |
| Microctenopoma fasciolatum (Boulenger, 1899) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Ctenopoma fasciolatum | |
Microctenopoma fasciolatum or the banded bushfish is an Anabantoid fish of the genus Microctenopoma. It is native to Zaire, occurring in the lower and central parts of the Congo River. This species has numerous irregular dark stripes running vertically across its body, with a horizontal lighter sripe separating them. This banding becomes more pronounced as the fish ages. In males, the dorsal and annal fins are more pointed. This species, like many related anabantoids lays its approximately 1000 eggs into a bubble nest. This fish grows to a size of 9 cm (3.5 in).
In the aquarium
This fish is aggressive to other tankmates, though parents usually do not harm their own fry. It prefers a pH of 7.0 and a temperature of 24 – 28 C (75 – 82 F), along with a water hardness of 50 mgl.
Sources
- Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish (2005) (David Alderton)
- http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Microctenopoma-fasciolatum.html (Fishbase)