Ctenopoma houyi
Ctenopoma houyi
Ctenopoma houyi is a tiny African climbing gourami, reaching only 4.7 cm. It inhabits slow‑moving freshwater habitats with dense vegetation and is popular among aquarium hobbyists rather than sport anglers.
Basic Information
Family
Anabantidae
Max Size
4.7 cm
Habitat
freshwater
Climate
tropical
Best Season
Rainy season (May–October), when water levels rise and the fish are most active
Best Time
Early morning and late afternoon when surface insects are abundant
Distribution
No distribution map available
Fishing Tips for Ctenopoma houyi
- Use an ultralight 2‑3 ft spinning rod with a sensitive tip
- Fly a 1‑2 lb test fluorocarbon line with a 4‑6 lb test leader
- Present live micro‑bait such as mosquito larvae, daphnia or tiny shrimp on a small float or micro jig
- Keep the hook size 6‑8 and retrieve slowly to allow the fish to take the bait without spooking
Top Fishing Locations for Ctenopoma houyi
Niger River (Bamako stretch)
MaliClear, fast‑flowing sections of the Niger near Bamako host abundant Ctenopoma houyi, especially around submerged rock ledges.
Best: November–February (dry season)
Ogooué River (Lambaréné region)
GabonThe middle Ogooué provides shaded backwaters and floodplain lagoons where C. houyi congregate during the high‑water period.
Best: June–September (rainy season)
Sanaga River (Upper reaches near Dschang)
CameroonClear tributary streams and riffles in the upper Sanaga are prime habitat; easy access from the road makes it beginner‑friendly.
Best: March–May (pre‑rainy)
Cross River (Calabar estuary)
NigeriaBrackish estuarine zones and mangrove channels host dense populations of C. houyi during the cooler months.
Best: October–December
Lake Volta (Upper Volta basin)
GhanaShallow vegetated bays of the upper lake provide ideal cover; good for anglers with light tackle.
Best: January–March
Congo River (Kinshasa‑Mbandaka stretch)
Democratic Republic of the CongoRemote, deep‑channel sections with strong currents; requires a guide and logistical planning, but yields high numbers of C. houyi when conditions are right.
Best: April–June
Lake Kivu (Northwest shoreline)
RwandaA lesser‑known but productive lake habitat; clear water and rocky outcrops attract the species, making it a bucket‑list destination for dedicated anglers.
Best: July–September
Market Prices
Recommended Fishing Equipment for Ctenopoma houyi
Recommended Equipment
Best bait: Live mosquito larvae, daphnia, tiny shrimp