Ctenopoma weeksii

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Ctenopoma weeksii, also known as Mottled Bushfish, is a robust African fish with a mottled brown pattern that helps it disappear among plants, roots, and leaf litter. This member of the Anabantidae family has a labyrinth organ that allows it to use atmospheric air in addition to its gills. It is an ambush predator that feeds mainly on small aquatic prey. Its reserved behavior and natural camouflage make it an interesting fish for a well-planned aquarium. The species is **wild collected** and remains **moderately uncommon** in the aquarium trade; it is available exclusively from Ton.Fish in Canada.

General species description

Ctenopoma weeksii is a member of the genus Ctenopoma, a group of African labyrinth fish adapted to quiet waters. It usually leads a secretive life, remaining motionless among plants, roots, and plant debris before striking at prey. Its laterally compressed body and irregular coloration help it blend into its surroundings. In an aquarium, it benefits from hiding places, subdued lighting, and limited surface turbulence. It may become territorial toward conspecifics, especially in a confined aquarium, but its overall behavior is usually calm with similarly sized tank mates. Because it is an **opportunistic predator**, very small fish and juvenile shrimp may be treated as food. This wild-caught species requires careful acclimation and a varied diet to maintain good condition.

Geographic origin and biotope

Reference countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo Basin. Ctenopoma weeksii inhabits slow-moving to stagnant freshwater environments associated with the Congo River and its surrounding habitats. Its environment includes quiet margins, side channels, forest pools, and areas filled with branches, fallen leaves, and vegetation. The water may be amber to brown when organic material releases tannins, with weak circulation and sometimes limited visibility. An aquarium based on this habitat should include wood, sturdy plants, dried leaves, and shaded areas. Effective filtration is still important, but the current should remain gentle. Conditions near **24–28 °C**, a slightly acidic to neutral pH, and good stability are appropriate for keeping it. Since specimens offered in the trade are **wild collected**, a gradual transition to aquarium conditions is especially important.

Precise location and local name

The species is associated with the **Congo Basin** in central Africa, particularly the freshwater environments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is not commonly known by a widely established local vernacular name in aquarium literature. The English name Mottled Bushfish is used mainly in the trade and by aquarists, referring to its spotted body and ambush behavior among vegetation. The scientific name remains the most precise way to identify it and avoid confusion with other Ctenopoma species. In Canada, this fish is **exclusive to Ton.Fish**, making it an uncommon opportunity for aquarists looking for an African species other than the more familiar cichlids and tetras. Its availability remains **moderate to limited**, especially when well-acclimated specimens are sought.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Ctenopoma weeksii has an oval, laterally compressed body, a relatively broad head, and a well-developed mouth suited to capturing prey. Its base color ranges from brownish beige to olive brown, with **irregular darker mottling** that breaks up its outline. The dorsal and anal fins are elongated and carry spiny rays, while the pectoral fins allow precise movement through dense cover. Like other labyrinth fish, it can breathe atmospheric air through a specialized organ; the gill cover also bears spiny structures characteristic of the genus. The maximum adult size generally used for aquarium planning is about **15 cm**. Coloration may become darker or paler depending on mood, lighting, décor, and stress level. Wild specimens may develop stronger contrast after a period of acclimation in stable, well-structured water.

General diet

Ctenopoma weeksii is primarily a **carnivorous predator** that detects prey at close range and quickly sucks it into its mouth. In the wild, its diet includes small fish, aquatic larvae, crustaceans, and various invertebrates. In an aquarium, offer protein-rich foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis, chopped shrimp, and quality carnivorous pellets. Live or frozen foods may help wild specimens begin feeding, but they should come from safe sources to reduce health risks. Small portions should be offered once or twice daily at first, then adjusted according to body condition. Very small fish may be swallowed even though this species often appears calm. A varied diet, combined with occasional fasting days for a well-fed adult, helps maintain condition without adding excessive organic waste to the aquarium.

Essential data

• River of origin: Congo River
• Local name used: Mottled Bushfish in the aquarium trade
• Origin of the scientific name: Ctenopoma is the genus name; weeksii is a dedication to Weeks.
• Etymology of the full name: Ctenopoma comes from the Greek ktenos, meaning “comb,” and pōma, meaning “cover” or “lid,” referring to structures of the gill cover; weeksii honors Weeks.
• Common/vernacular names: Mottled Bushfish; mottled ctenopoma
• Family: Anabantidae
• Subfamily: Ctenopominae
• Name pronunciation: ten-oh-POH-ma WEEK-see-eye
• Discovery: Described by George Albert Boulenger in 1896
• Maximum adult size: About 15 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24–28 °C; pH 6.0–7.5
• Appearance of the watercourse and surrounding vegetation: Quiet, often tannin-stained waters with branches, leaf litter, roots, and dense vegetation
• Typical tank mates: Phenacogrammus interruptus, Synodontis schoutedeni, Pelvicachromis pulcher, Brycinus longipinnis, Steatocranus casuarius
• Temperament and behavior: Secretive and ambush-oriented, generally calm with similarly sized fish; predatory toward small prey
• Water depth: Marginal and quiet areas; variable depth
• Sexual dimorphism: Limited; external differences are difficult to determine reliably
• Bottom structure and flow: Soft or muddy substrate with leaf litter and woody debris; low to moderate flow

For greater success

Success with Ctenopoma weeksii depends mainly on providing a quiet, shaded, and well-structured environment. Use a spacious, tightly covered aquarium with roots, plants, and hiding places to reduce stress and encourage its natural ambush behavior. Maintain stable water, a **moderate current**, and a constant tropical temperature. Offer a varied carnivorous diet while avoiding tiny tank mates that could be swallowed. Because the species is **wild collected**, careful acclimation and close attention to feeding are essential during the first few weeks. Its moderate rarity and Canadian exclusivity make it especially appealing to aquarists prepared to provide a specialized setup.