Microctenopoma fasciolatum
Microctenopoma fasciolatum or the banded bushfish is an Anabantoid fish of the genus Microctenopoma. It is native to the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo and a few rivers in Cameroon, occurring in the lower and central parts of the Congo River.[3] This species has numerous irregular dark stripes running vertically across its body, with a horizontal lighter stripe separating them. The banding becomes more pronounced as the fish ages. In males, the dorsal and annal fins are more pointed, and - in some populations - have bright iridescent blue spots. This species, like many related anabantoids lays its approximately 1000 eggs into a bubble nest. This fish grows to a size of 9 cm (3.5 in).
| Microctenopoma fasciolatum | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Anabantiformes |
| Family: | Anabantidae |
| Genus: | Microctenopoma |
| Species: | M. fasciolatum |
| Binomial name | |
| Microctenopoma fasciolatum (Boulenger, 1899) | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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In the aquarium
This anabantoid rarely appears in the aquarium hobby; when it does it is noted for being somewhat shy and retiring, but not particularly challenging to keep. Males can be territorial, especially in small aquaria. It prefers a pH of 6.5 - 7.5[3] and a temperature of 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F), along with a water hardness of 50 mgl.
References
- Moelants, T. (2010). "Microctenopoma fasciolatum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T182806A7972937. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T182806A7972937.en.
- Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2019). "Microctenopoma fasciolatum" in FishBase. August 2019 version.
- "Microctenopoma fasciolatum (Banded ctenopoma)". Seriously Fish. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
- Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish (2005) (David Alderton)
- http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Microctenopoma-fasciolatum.html (Fishbase)
- https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/microctenopoma-fasciolatum/