Microctenopoma ansorgii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Microctenopoma ansorgii |
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Microctenopoma ansorgii is a small freshwater fish. It has many fun names like ornate ctenopoma, orange ctenopoma, ornate climbing perch, pretty ctenopoma, or rainbow ctenopoma. This fish is related to the more famous spotted climbing perch, but it looks quite different. It's known for being a bit shy.
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About the Ornate Ctenopoma
What Does It Look Like?
The ornate ctenopoma has a body that is longer and more rounded than some other fish. Its fins are very pretty, with bright red and black stripes. When the fish is excited or showing off, its colors become even stronger. You might even see black bars appear on its body!
Where Does It Live?
This fish lives in the Congo Basin in Africa. It prefers slow-moving streams found in forests. These streams are its natural home.
What Does It Eat?
The ornate ctenopoma is a carnivore, which means it eats other small creatures. It enjoys eating worms and insect larvae. It also feeds on other tiny animals without backbones, called aquatic invertebrates, that live in the water.
How Does It Reproduce?
These fish lay their eggs at night. They build a special floating nest made of bubbles. This bubble nest helps protect the eggs until they hatch. This is a common way for fish in the osphronemidae family to reproduce.
Ornate Ctenopoma as a Pet
The ornate ctenopoma is the most common type of its genus that people keep in aquariums. However, it can be a bit shy and easily picked on by other fish. It needs special food, like live or frozen foods, to stay healthy. Sometimes, having smaller, active fish around can help it feel safer and encourage it to come out of hiding.
Who Discovered This Fish?
This species was first described by a scientist named George Albert Boulenger in 1912. He found it in lagoons near the Luali River in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The person who collected the fish for him was an explorer named William John Ansorge.
