Fin's Fish Guide
The Marbled climbing perch (Ctenopoma weeksii) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Central Africa, in the Congo river basin; in slow-flowing and still fresh water.
Description
The marbled climbing perch is an African labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae reaching about 12 cm. The stout, brownish mottled body provides good camouflage among water plants and leaf litter. Like other climbing perches it has a labyrinth organ, an accessory breathing structure that lets it gulp air at the surface, so it tolerates oxygen-poor water. The species lives in slow-flowing and still fresh water in the Congo basin of Central Africa. It is a dusk and night hunter that ambushes small fish, insects and crustaceans and sucks them in with a fast protrusible mouth. In the aquarium it is known as a shy but fascinating predator.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Marbled climbing perch?
The Marbled climbing perch has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Labyrinth fish: has an accessory breathing organ with which it can gulp air and so tolerate oxygen-poor water.
Where does the Marbled climbing perch live?
The Marbled climbing perch lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central Africa, in the Congo river basin; in slow-flowing and still fresh water.
How big does the Marbled climbing perch get?
The Marbled climbing perch grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Marbled climbing perch dangerous to humans?
No, the Marbled climbing perch is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Marbled climbing perch edible?
The Marbled climbing perch is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ctenopoma
More from the family Anabantidae
Want the complete picture on the Marbled climbing perch?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Marbled climbing perch is one of 12,519 species in the app.