South American Leaf Fish

Monocirrhus polyacanthus

Also known as: Amazon Leaf Fish, Leaf Fish

A master of disguise that looks like a drifting dead leaf and ambushes small fish.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

72–82°F

pH

5.5–7

Hardness

1–8 dGH

Max size

3 in

Min tank

20 gal

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Social

Solitary

Swim level

Mid

Diet

Carnivore

Care level

Expert

Lifespan

5-8 years

Breeding

Egg-depositor

Suitability

Expert

Origin

Amazon basin, South America

Needs soft, acidic, calm water with leaves and plants. It usually eats only live fish and will swallow anything up to half its size, so tankmates must be larger. Best in a species tank with live food on hand.