Fin's Fish Guide
The Pellegrin's ctenopoma (Ctenopoma pellegrini) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in calm, vegetated rivers, swamps and pools.
Description
Pellegrin's ctenopoma is a brown African labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae reaching about 11 cm. Like its relatives 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. The brown body bears spines in the dorsal and anal fins and has a camouflage that hides it among water plants. The species comes from the Congo basin in Central Africa and lives in quiet, vegetated rivers, swamps and pools. As an ambush hunter it eats insects, worms, small crustaceans and small fish. Because of its hidden lifestyle it draws little notice; it occasionally appears in the specialist aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pellegrin's ctenopoma?
The Pellegrin's ctenopoma has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Brown African labyrinth fish with an accessory breathing organ that lets it breathe air; well camouflaged among plants.
Where does the Pellegrin's ctenopoma live?
The Pellegrin's ctenopoma lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of Central Africa, in the Congo basin, in calm, vegetated rivers, swamps and pools.
How big does the Pellegrin's ctenopoma get?
The Pellegrin's ctenopoma grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Pellegrin's ctenopoma dangerous to humans?
No, the Pellegrin's ctenopoma is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pellegrin's ctenopoma edible?
The Pellegrin's ctenopoma is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Ctenopoma
More from the family Anabantidae
Want the complete picture on the Pellegrin's ctenopoma?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pellegrin's ctenopoma is one of 12,519 species in the app.