bio.wikisort.org - Animal

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
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
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]
Ctenopoma fasciolatum Boulenger, 1899 Ctenopoma fasciolatum (Boulenger, 1899)

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

• 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/

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