Banded Climbing Perch
Microctenopoma fasciolatum
Also known as: Banded Ctenopoma
A small Congo predator that rewards patient keepers with fascinating labyrinth fish behavior.
About
The Banded Climbing Perch (Microctenopoma fasciolatum) is a compact labyrinth fish from the Congo River basin, found across Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the wild it occupies clear, slow-moving or still waters with dense surface vegetation and overhanging plant cover. Conditions worth replicating in the aquarium. Like all anabantoids, it breathes atmospheric air directly, which gives it a noticeable habit of rising periodically to the surface. The banding pattern across its body makes it reasonably easy to identify among the ctenopomas, and it has a somewhat more confident presence than some of its relatives in the genus. That said, it is still a deliberate, unhurried fish that will lose out to boisterous tankmates at feeding time, so companions should be chosen carefully. Hatchetfish, lampeyes, corydoras, and small loricariids all work well. Males are territorial with one another, so extra space helps if you want to keep more than one. This is a carnivore, and live or frozen foods should form the core of its diet. Breeding has been achieved in captivity. Males construct bubblenests among floating plants in a classic anabantoid style. An intermediate-level species, best suited to a keeper who can provide a calm, well-planted setup and pay close attention to tankmate selection.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Banded Climbing Perch
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Banded Climbing Perch get?
- The Banded Climbing Perch reaches about 2–3" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Banded Climbing Perch need?
- A minimum of 7 gallons is recommended for the Banded Climbing Perch.
- What water parameters does the Banded Climbing Perch need?
- The Banded Climbing Perch does best with a temperature of 68–82°F, a pH of 6–7.5, hardness around 4–20 dGH.
- Is the Banded Climbing Perch aggressive?
- The Banded Climbing Perch is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Banded Climbing Perch eat?
- The Banded Climbing Perch is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Banded Climbing Perch live?
- With good care, the Banded Climbing Perch typically lives 5-8 years.