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Ocellated labyrinth fish (Ctenopoma muriei) — Anabantidae

Ocellated labyrinth fish

Ctenopoma muriei
Family: Anabantidae
LC · Least Concern

The Ocellated labyrinth fish (Ctenopoma muriei) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The ocellated labyrinth fish (Ctenopoma muriei) is a small African labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae widely distributed in fresh water of sub-Saharan Africa. The species has an elongate, brownish body with a conspicuous dark eyespot (ocellus) near the caudal peduncle and reaches only about 6 cm. Like other labyrinth fishes it has an accessory breathing organ that lets it gulp air at the surface, an adaptation to oxygen-poor water in temporary and permanent streams and swamps. It feeds on insect larvae and small crustaceans. Juveniles are found in residual pools when the water recedes.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ocellated labyrinth fish?

The Ocellated labyrinth fish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Ocellated labyrinth fish live?

The Ocellated labyrinth fish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Ocellated labyrinth fish get?

The Ocellated labyrinth fish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Ocellated labyrinth fish dangerous to humans?

No, the Ocellated labyrinth fish is harmless to humans.

Is the Ocellated labyrinth fish edible?

The Ocellated labyrinth fish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Oogvlek-klimbaars sourced
English name
Ocellated labyrinth fish verified
Scientific name
Ctenopoma muriei
Family
Anabantidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Ctenopoma

More from the family Anabantidae

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