Care
In its native heavily vegetated habitats, the intriguing Spotted Climbing Perch mimics fallen foliage and other aquatic debris in order to trick unsuspecting passing fish. Here they skulk around, assuming a "nose-down" position, which gives the impression of innocent fallen leaves to potential prey. Any moderately-sized fish that swim too near are ambushed with ferocious speed and agility. This behaviour continues in the home aquarium, and is why this beautiful and captivating member of the Anabantidae family is best maintained in a species-only aquarium. This is not only because of its predatory nature towards small fish, but also because it tends to become bullied by larger more aggressive species. Spotted Climbing Perch are not particularly belligerent themselves if adequate numbers are kept and suitable space is given, but their surprisingly capacious mouths and nocturnal activity spells a very real danger for standard community fish. In the wild, as you may expect, this species is found in a variety of different habitats, the waters of which are all relatively slow-moving with an abundance of aquatic vegetation. Therefore the aquarium housing Spotted Climbing Perch should be densely planted with plenty of tall trailing plants, plus floating varieties, for them to lurk amongst. They will also appreciate other shady areas assembled from bogwood pieces and rocky caves. Ideally, the tank will be at least 4ft long because these fish are fast growers and will quickly attain a large adult size. Small partial water changes should be carried out on a regular basis as these fish will not fare well if subjected to high levels of nitrate. Spotted Climbing Perch must be maintained either singly, or else as a group of 5 or more individuals. Groups smaller than 5 are rarely successful and we do not recommend this be attempted. When keeping a larger group, all individuals MUST be introduced at the same time to prevent unnecessary territorial arguments that would otherwise be aimed at any newcomers. Any specimens added to the group at a later date could be caused so much stress by the long-term residents, that they do not make it through the acclimatisation period. It is of utmost importance to leave a small gap of warm air between the water's surface and the coverslides in order for these labyrinth fish to come up and gulp air from time to time. The coverslides will also prevent your Spotted Climbing Perch from jumping clear of the aquarium should they become startled. Some aquarists claim to have had success in housing these fish alongside Synodontis catfish, Hoplo Catfish, larger members of the Loricariidae family (Suckermouth cats), Siamese Flying Foxes (Crossocheilus siamensis), and larger Rainbowfish species, but you are guaranteed to see these fish at their best in a species-only planted aquarium. Note: Take care when netting Spotted Climbing Perch from the aquarium as the small spines on the gill covers can easily become entangled. It is best to "herd" the fish into a bag or suitable container. Not recommended for beginners. May also be seen on sale as Leopard Bushfish.
Feeding
Can be tricky, particularly when first introduced to new surroundings. The diet should be "size dependent", i.e. tailored to the size of your particular specimens. Small live or (defrosted) frozen foods are best for younger fish e.g. mosquito larvae, daphnia, brineshrimp etc. Larger specimens will take bigger foodstuffs such as Mysis shrimp, chopped prawns and chopped earthworms (make sure these are clean and free of any pesticides). May eventually take some dried foods, but this should not be relied upon. Observe to make sure any dried foods that are offered are actually taken, as otherwise the rotting uneaten food can easily foul the aquarium water. Warning: Will eat any fish that can fit into their deceptively cavernous mouths!
Breeding
Challenging, as the fry are extremely difficult to raise. A pair can be triggered into spawning by carefully acclimatising to a separate softwater breeding tank (peat filtration recommended) with plenty of plant cover. The temperature should be set at the higher end of their preferred range. This species is an egg scatterer and there are reports of a small bubblenest being constructed during the pre-spawning courtship ritual. Once spawning has ceased, the parent fish must be removed from the aquarium to prevent predation. Eggs can number 500 or more. As with other members of this family, it is of extreme importance to maintain a warm layer of air between the surface of the water and the cover slides at all times whilst the fry are developing their labyrinth organ, critical during the first few weeks of their life. Numerous problems such as susceptibility to velvet disease, difficulty in getting the tiny fry to feed, water pollution and developmental problems with the labyrinth organ have all been frequently encountered when trying to grow on the fry of the Spotted Climbing Perch.
