Leopard Bushfish
Leopard Bushfish
Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma acutirostre) is a fascinating and beautiful African labyrinth fish — a member of the family Anabantidae from the Congo basin with a spectacular leopard-spot pattern of dark spots on a pale body. Like its Asian gourami relatives, it possesses a labyrinth organ for breathing atmospheric air. Unlike most gouramis, it is a stealthy ambush predator that uses slow, drifting approach to get close to prey fish.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms make excellent staples once the fish is settled. Newly arrived individuals may prefer live foods initially. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp. Feed after lights dim.
Native to the Congo River basin — a labyrinth fish from the same river system that produces the Galaxy Woodcat Catfish and many other extraordinary species. Inhabits slow-moving, heavily vegetated, shaded waters with leaf litter and abundant cover. Tannin additions and dimly lit conditions replicate its natural blackwater environment.
Keep singly or in pairs in a large, densely planted aquarium. Any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will eventually be eaten. Despite the predatory nature, the Leopard Bushfish is generally peaceful toward fish too large to eat — a character common to ambush predators that conserve energy between strikes.
The Leopard Bushfish is a rewarding and unusual labyrinth fish for aquarists who want an African alternative to the Asian gouramis. The combination of spectacular leopard patterning, labyrinth biology, and ambush predator behavior makes it genuinely extraordinary.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful with large fish — predatory toward small fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 8.0 inches (20 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly or pair — large planted aquarium |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Congo River basin, Central Africa |
| Notes | African labyrinth fish — family Anabantidae. Leopard spot pattern. Ambush predator — slow drifting approach. Predatory toward small fish. Congo basin blackwater conditions beneficial. |
