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Damas' climbing perch (Microctenopoma damasi) — Anabantidae

Damas' climbing perch

Microctenopoma damasi
Family: Anabantidae
LC · Least Concern

The Damas' climbing perch (Microctenopoma damasi) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 7 cm.

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

Description

Damas' climbing perch is a small African labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae from Central Africa. The species grows to only about 7 cm and has a stocky, brownish body. Like other labyrinth fishes it has an accessory breathing organ with which it can gulp air at the surface, an adaptation to oxygen-poor swampy, plant-rich waters. As a small ambush feeder it eats insects, crustaceans and small invertebrates. Climbing perches often build a foam nest for the eggs. The species is occasionally kept as an aquarium fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Damas' climbing perch?

The Damas' climbing perch has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Damas' climbing perch live?

The Damas' climbing perch lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Damas' climbing perch get?

The Damas' climbing perch grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Damas' climbing perch dangerous to humans?

No, the Damas' climbing perch is harmless to humans.

Is the Damas' climbing perch edible?

The Damas' climbing perch is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Damas' klimbaars sourced
English name
Damas' climbing perch sourced
Scientific name
Microctenopoma damasi
Family
Anabantidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars 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
Solitary 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 Microctenopoma

More from the family Anabantidae

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