Microctenopoma

The ornate ctenopoma, Microctenopoma ansorgii, is an anabantoid from the Congo basin in the Republic of Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo. The most colourful of the African anabantoids, it is relatively rare in the hobby because its habitat of densely vegetated small streams is hard to collect from. It can be difficult to acclimatise but is very hardy once settled, and it is a slow-moving fish that is easily out-competed at feeding time.

The banded ctenopoma, Microctenopoma fasciolatum, is an anabantoid from the Congo basin and a handful of rivers in Cameroon. In nature it is found in clear water with plenty of surface and overhanging vegetation. Less shy than M. ansorgei, it is still slow-moving and easily out-competed by boisterous species. Males are territorial. A bubblenester, it has been bred in captivity.