South American Leaf Fish, Barbeled Leaf Fish Monocirrhus polyacanthus | PicturesSynonyms: Monocirrhus
mimophyllus Physical description: An oval shaped fish with strong lateral compression.
The mouth is large and the lower jaw
has a pointed extension.
The anal and dorsal fins have long bases and are made up of small spines.
The coloration is adaptable to the surroundings.
Usually
the color ranges from orange-yellow to brown with various markings giving this species the appearance of a dead
leaf.
A transverse line runs through the eye to the belly, while another runs from the mouth, through
the eye and to the caudal fin.
The third line runs from the eye to first rays of the dorsal fin.
Size/Length: To
4" (10 cm)
Similar species: Other Leaf fish
Habitat: Inhabits shallow, shore areas with dense vegetation of slow-moving or still water.
South
America; in the Rio Negro and Guyana.
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Aquarium: A tank measuring 28" (71 cm) with a volume from 20-25 gallons (76-95 L) is adequate.
The
tank should be well-planted, especially with large leafed plants.
Use floating plants should to
diffuse the light.
The tank should be arranged in dark colors.
Water chemistry: pH 5-6.8 (6.5), 2-10 dH (6), 73-84°F (23-29°C)
Social behavior: A predator that should not be combined with other fishes.
However, if combined with others, keep
with larger, robust species.
Suggested companions: Preferably none.
Armored Catfish, Pictus Catfish,
Leporinus, Anostomus, Myleus FOOD: Live; small fish, mosquito larvae, earthworms, aquatic insects,
Tubifex , crustaceans
Sexual differences: The females are rounder during spawning season
Breeding techniques: Use a breeding tank with a single pair.
The water values should be: a pH of
6.0-6.5; a hardness of 2-4 dH; and a temperature of 77-82°F (25-28°C).
The eggs are attached to the underside
of
large-leafed leaves. The males look after the 300 eggs, fanning them with his fins. The female will be chased by
the male, and she should be removed. The young hatch in 60 to 90 hours.
Start feeding with small moving food
such as Brine Shrimp nauplii.
The fry are voracious eaters and will consume their body weight in food daily.
The
young grow at different rates and periodically must be sorted according to size to prevent cannibalism.
Breeding potential: 8.
Breeding is difficult.
Remarks: The Leaf Fish waits for its prey amongst leafs of plants, with its head pointing down.
The
coloration of the fish makes it hard to distinguish from a dead leaf.
It approaches the prey using it's transparent
pectoral fins which makes the fish almost undetectable.
Prey is sucked in when the fish opens its large mouth.
These
fish have the ability to change colors, so they can camouflage with their surroundings.
Take care when disrupting tank furnishings,
as this species is very nervous.
Difficulty of care: 7.
This species is somewhat sensitive to water conditions.
The Leaf fish is an aggressive predator
that requires live foods.
