Home · Anabantidae · Lined bushfish
Lined bushfish (Microctenopoma lineatum) — Anabantidae

Lined bushfish

Microctenopoma lineatum
Family: Anabantidae

The Lined bushfish (Microctenopoma lineatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Central Afr. Rp, Congo Dem Rp

Want the complete picture on the Lined bushfish?

Get the app

Description

The lined bushfish is a labyrinth fish (Anabantidae) from slow-flowing fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, brownish body with fine dark longitudinal lines. As a labyrinth fish it can gulp air in oxygen-poor water. It lives hidden among water plants and leaf litter of swamps and backwaters and snaps at small invertebrates, larvae and insects; the male builds a bubble nest. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lined bushfish?

The Lined bushfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Lined bushfish live?

The Lined bushfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Central Afr. Rp, Congo Dem Rp

How big does the Lined bushfish get?

The Lined bushfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Lined bushfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Lined bushfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Lined bushfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lined bushfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Lined bushfish sourced
Scientific name
Microctenopoma lineatum
Family
Anabantidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Africa: Central Afr. Rp, Congo Dem Rp sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Microctenopoma

More from the family Anabantidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Lined bushfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lined bushfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Lined bushfish? Get the app