How to Identify Leopard Bushfish

To identify Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma acutirostre), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is typically light brown to olive-green, heavily mottled with irregular dark brown to black spots and blotches, resembling a leopard's pattern. The fins often have similar spotting. The eyes are large and often reddish.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Distinctive leopard-like spotting over the entire body and fins., Large, often reddish eyes., Pointed snout (acutirostre means 'sharp snout')., Labyrinth organ for atmospheric breathing., Slightly elongated, compressed body.

Dorsal fin

Long, with 15-17 spines and 9-11 soft rays, extending almost to the caudal fin.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate.

Pectoral fin

Rounded and relatively small.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, positioned beneath the pectoral fins, and are relatively small.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Patterning

   Look for the characteristic leopard-like spots and blotches covering the entire body and fins. This is the most distinguishing feature.

2. 2

   Snout Shape

   Observe the relatively pointed snout, which gives rise to its scientific name 'acutirostre'.

3. 3

   Eye Color

   The large, often reddish eyes are a good indicator.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Note the compressed, somewhat elongated body typical of Ctenopoma species.

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