Source: Wikimedia Commons
Amazon leaffish
AdvancedMonocirrhus polyacanthus
A South American predator famous for mimicking a dead leaf, with a flat body, vein-like markings and a stalk-like chin barbel. It drifts toward prey like a falling leaf, then engulfs it in an instant.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
22〜25℃
Lifespan
Few reliable data
Size
Up to 8 cm SL (FishBase)
Diet
Piscivore (mainly live small fish)
About
The Amazon leaffish, Monocirrhus polyacanthus, is a polycentrid found in the Amazon basin in Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia and Venezuela (FishBase). It reaches 8 cm SL. Its body shape and pattern mimic a dead leaf, it can change colour to match its surroundings, and a chin barbel resembles a leaf stalk. It stalks prey head-down, propelled by tiny movements of its transparent fins, then shoots out its mouth to engulf it. A piscivore in the wild, it accepts almost only live food in captivity, so a constant supply of live fish is a prerequisite. It lives in shallow, still water where leaves collect and prefers soft, acidic water. Up to 300 eggs are laid on the underside of a large leaf and guarded by the male. It was formerly placed in the family Nandidae. In Japan it is sold by specialist shops as an unusual fish.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Amazon leaffish
The Amazon leaffish grows to Up to 8 cm SL (FishBase).
Temperature & humidity for the Amazon leaffish
The ideal temperature for the Amazon leaffish is 22〜25℃.
Basic Info
Origin
South America (Amazon basin: Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela)
Lifespan
Few reliable data
Size
Up to 8 cm SL (FishBase)
Temperature
22〜25℃
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act, all species of the family Nandidae require an identification certificate on import; this species was formerly placed in Nandidae but is now classified in Polycentridae. It is neither a designated nor an uncategorised alien species, so keeping or trading fish already in Japan needs no permit under the Act. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase / Ministry of the Environment: list of regulated alien species (species requiring an identification certificate)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Amazon leaffish Listings
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