Photos © Sean Evans
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| Common name: | South American Leaf Fish |
| Scientific name: | Monocirrhus polyacanthus |
| Synonyms: | (none) |
| Size: | 4" (10cm) |
| Origin: | Amazon (Peru) |
| Tank setup: | A well planted mature tank, with very slow water movement. Best kept in a species tank. |
| Compatibility: | Predatory, do not keep with small fishes. |
| Temperature: | 22-25oC (72-77oF) |
| Water chemistry: | Very soft and acidic (pH 6.-6.5). High quality essential. |
| Feeding: | A carnivore, which is unlikely to accept anything other than live foods. |
| Sexing: | The female is larger and deeper bodied. |
| Breeding: | The male guards the eggs, which are laid on leaves or other flat surfaces. Eggs
hatch after 4 days. The fry may be cannibalistic. |
| Comments: |
Adult fish are mainly piscivorous (feed on other fish), and hang motionless in the water waiting for prey. Frequent
small water changes and high quality filtration are essential.
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