Leopard Bush Fish

Leopard Bush Fish (Ctenopoma acutirostre)

A striking and popular “oddball” fish from the Congo River basin in Central Africa, the Leopard Bush Fish is instantly recognizable by its bold leopard-like spotted patterning. As a labyrinth-breathing anabantid (related to gouramis and bettas), it possesses a specialized organ that allows it to breathe atmospheric air, making it quite hardy and adaptable. While it has a somewhat predatory nature and can be territorial, it is generally peaceful enough with appropriately sized tankmates and makes an excellent centerpiece or conversation piece in larger community aquariums.

Key Features

• Maximum Size: Up to 20 cm / ~8 inches in the wild (typically 15 cm / ~6 inches in captivity).
• Appearance: Elongated body covered in distinctive dark spots on a lighter background, giving it the “leopard” common name. Coloration can vary slightly with mood, lighting, and diet. Males and females are similar, though males may show more intense patterning or fin extensions during breeding or displays.
• Fin Details: Typical anabantid fin structure with rounded fins; the dorsal and anal fins are elongated, contributing to its graceful swimming motion.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for a single specimen or small group (larger is strongly recommended due to adult size and need for territory).
• Water Parameters: Tropical freshwater; 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard. Excellent water quality is important. Provide plenty of hiding spots with driftwood, rockwork, and plants (live or artificial) to help it feel secure. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as it may jump or climb. Moderate flow is appreciated.
• Diet: Carnivorous/predatory — readily accepts high-quality sinking pellets, frozen foods (bloodworm, brine shrimp, chopped shrimp or fish), and live foods. It enjoys stalking and hunting live prey. Avoid overfeeding meaty items if keeping with smaller or more delicate tankmates.
• Behavior: Generally peaceful with fish too large to fit in its mouth but can be territorial or aggressive toward smaller or similarly shaped fish. It is a slow, deliberate swimmer that often ambushes prey. Best kept with medium to large, robust tankmates such as larger gouramis, silver dollars, or peaceful cichlids. Excellent for larger community tanks or species setups with plenty of cover. It is a bubble-nest builder, though breeding is less commonly attempted than with other anabantids.

IUCN Status Least Concern (LC)

Add bold leopard spotting, unique air-breathing ability, and fascinating predatory behavior to your larger community aquarium with the beautiful Leopard Bush Fish!