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Blackspot climbing perch (Microctenopoma intermedium) — Anabantidae

Blackspot climbing perch

Microctenopoma intermedium
Family: Anabantidae
LC · Least Concern

The Blackspot climbing perch (Microctenopoma intermedium) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The intermediate climbing perch is a small African labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae from southern Africa. The species grows to only about 6 cm and inhabits dense marginal vegetation of rivers, lakes, lagoons and channels of swamps and floodplains. Like other labyrinth fishes it has an accessory breathing organ with which it can gulp air at the surface, an adaptation to oxygen-poor water. It feeds on insects and other small organisms. 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 Blackspot climbing perch?

The Blackspot climbing perch has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Blackspot climbing perch live?

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

How big does the Blackspot climbing perch get?

The Blackspot climbing perch grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Blackspot climbing perch dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackspot climbing perch is harmless to humans.

Is the Blackspot climbing perch edible?

The Blackspot climbing perch is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Tussenklimbaars sourced
English name
Blackspot climbing perch verified
Scientific name
Microctenopoma intermedium
Family
Anabantidae
Other names
Blackspot climbing perch verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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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