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Bullseye ctenopoma (Ctenopoma ocellatum) — Anabantidae

Bullseye ctenopoma

Ctenopoma ocellatum
Family: Anabantidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bullseye ctenopoma (Ctenopoma ocellatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
13.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Crepuscular
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Ctenopoma ocellatum is an African labyrinth fish (family Anabantidae) of the Congo basin. The species reaches about 13 cm and has a stocky, brownish body with a conspicuous eyespot near the caudal peduncle, which can mislead predators. Like other labyrinth fishes it has an accessory breathing organ with which it can gulp air at the surface and tolerate low-oxygen waters. It lives in slow-flowing, vegetated waters and is a patient ambush predator hunting insects, crustaceans and small fishes. The species is harmless to humans and is occasionally kept as an aquarium fish.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bullseye ctenopoma?

The Bullseye ctenopoma has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Bullseye ctenopoma live?

The Bullseye ctenopoma lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Bullseye ctenopoma get?

The Bullseye ctenopoma grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Bullseye ctenopoma dangerous to humans?

No, the Bullseye ctenopoma is harmless to humans.

Is the Bullseye ctenopoma edible?

The Bullseye ctenopoma is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Oogvlek-klimbaars sourced
English name
Bullseye ctenopoma verified
Scientific name
Ctenopoma ocellatum
Family
Anabantidae
Other names
Chocolate bushfish; Eyespot climbing perch; Eyespot ctenopoma verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy 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
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Crepuscular 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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