Ctenopoma acutirostre tankmate

[Satsujin]

Hey guys
So I have a Ctenopoma has the title says and I'm looking for what possible tankmates I could but with it that will stay in the middle to top of the aquarium. The tank is a 40g breeder. Also have a senegal bichir for bottom dweller. I am thinking maybe platies or swordtails so they can also act as a food source but that is my very last choice

 

[tlindsey]

Hey guys
So I have a Ctenopoma has the title says and I'm looking for what possible tankmates I could but with it that will stay in the middle to top of the aquarium. The tank is a 40g breeder. Also have a senegal bichir for bottom dweller. I am thinking maybe platies or swordtails so they can also act as a food source but that is my very last choice

Welcome aboard

The Platies and Swordtails will probably last short term. An fully grown Ctenopoma has a very large mouth.

 

[Satsujin]

Welcome aboard

The Platies and Swordtails will probably last short term. An fully grown Ctenopoma has a very large mouth.

Thank you, and yeah that is why it is my last choice because even tho mine is only 2.5" inches rn, it already has a huge mouth. I wouldn't be surprise if, once it is full grown, it could swallow an adult swordtail in one gulp

 

[EntoStentor]

A ctenopoma can eat a fish as big as it is. I suggest a large gourami about 6 inches long.

 

[Satsujin]

A ctenopoma can eat a fish as big as it is. I suggest a large gourami about 6 inches long.

Ok thank you. Would an opaline gorani be fine?

 

[EntoStentor]

That was actually exactly what I had in mind. Moonlight and snakeskin gouramis would work too. If you can get a snakeskin that would be the best since it will get a little larger than the ctenopoma (8 inches) but they are incredibly peaceful.

 

[jeaninel]

Congo tetra. How big is the Cteno? I grew mine out with Congo tetras and they did great together. The congos top out at about 5".

 

[Satsujin]

That was actually exactly what I had in mind. Moonlight and snakeskin gouramis would work too. If you can get a snakeskin that would be the best since it will get a little larger than the ctenopoma (8 inches) but they are incredibly peaceful.

Cool I'll see if I can find some in the few time when I can actually go to a big fish store, cuz my one and only lfs is saltwater lol

Congo tetra. How big is the Cteno? I grew mine out with Congo tetras and they did great together. The congos top out at about 5".

Right now it is about 2.5 inches? I might try that since they are a bit more readily available.

Also as an update, I got a denison barb, and an asian bumblebee cat. I'm thinking maybe adding more denison barbs when I go back to the big fish store, they have huge one, like 4 inches, for $12, which is whereas a 2 inch denison barb , which from my few searches, looks to be $10-$20 each

 

[jeaninel]

I currently have a ctenopoma in with Dennison Barbs in my 135 and they're fine together. I would definitely add more Dennisons if you like them as they are best in groups.