Fin's Fish Guide
The Manyspined ctenopoma (Ctenopoma multispine) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Fresh water of Central and southern Africa, in calm, vegetated rivers, swamps and pools.
Description
The manyspined ctenopoma is a brown African labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae reaching about 14 cm. Like its relative the climbing perch it has a labyrinth organ above the gills with which it can breathe air at the surface; this lets it survive in oxygen-poor swamp water and crawl over damp ground for short distances to reach new water. The body is brown with spines in the dorsal and anal fins and a camouflage that hides it among water plants. The species comes from Central and southern Africa and lives in quiet, vegetated rivers, swamps and pools. As an ambush hunter it eats insects, worms, small crustaceans and small fish. It occasionally appears in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Manyspined ctenopoma?
The Manyspined ctenopoma has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Brown African labyrinth fish that can breathe air with an accessory breathing organ and crawl over land for short periods.
Where does the Manyspined ctenopoma live?
The Manyspined ctenopoma lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of Central and southern Africa, in calm, vegetated rivers, swamps and pools.
How big does the Manyspined ctenopoma get?
The Manyspined ctenopoma grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Manyspined ctenopoma dangerous to humans?
No, the Manyspined ctenopoma is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Manyspined ctenopoma edible?
The Manyspined ctenopoma is rarely eaten.
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Same genus Ctenopoma
More from the family Anabantidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Manyspined ctenopoma is one of 12,519 species in the app.