Fin's Fish Guide
The Orange Ctenopoma (Microctenopoma ansorgii) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Description
Microctenopoma ansorgii, the ornate ctenopoma, is a small, colourful African labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae from the Congo basin. The species grows to only a few centimetres and stands out with alternating orange-red and blue-black vertical bands, which make it popular in the aquarium trade. Like other labyrinth fishes it has an accessory breathing organ that lets it gulp air at the surface. It inhabits calm, densely vegetated waters and is a small ambush predator hunting small invertebrates and insect larvae. The male builds a bubble nest and guards the eggs and larvae.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Orange Ctenopoma?
The Orange Ctenopoma has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Colourful orange-red and blue-black bands; labyrinth organ and bubble-nest-building male.
Where does the Orange Ctenopoma live?
The Orange Ctenopoma lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Quiet, vegetated waters of the Congo basin in Central Africa.
How big does the Orange Ctenopoma get?
The Orange Ctenopoma grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Orange Ctenopoma dangerous to humans?
No, the Orange Ctenopoma 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.
Is the Orange Ctenopoma edible?
The Orange Ctenopoma is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Orange Ctenopoma?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Orange Ctenopoma is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Microctenopoma
More from the family Anabantidae
Want the complete picture on the Orange Ctenopoma?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Orange Ctenopoma is one of 12,519 species in the app.