Edit Monocirrhus polyacanthus
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Name
Scientific name
Monocirrhus polyacanthus
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Polycentridae
Common names
South American Leaf Fish, Amazon Leaf Fish
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
The South American leaf fish, Monocirrhus polyacanthus, is a predator from Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia and Bolivia that mimics a dead…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
100mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 75 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Minimum height 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–29°C, pH 5–6.8
Hardness
1–10dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Predatory
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia.
Habitat
Found in shallow water with little or no flow in areas where fallen leaves collect.
Aquarium size
75 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm
Maintenance
Soft acidic water is essential. The aquarium should be dimly-lit, with floating plants in order to diffuse the light further. Heavy planting with large-leaved …
Water conditions
Temperature: 23 – 29 °C pH: 5.0-6.8 Hardness: 1-10 dH
Diet
Carnivorous and will only accept live food. When small, they will accept live bloodworm and small earthworms but in the long term require a piscivorous diet. D…
Behaviour and compatibility
A species tank is highly preferable although M. polyacanthus can be kept with medium-sized loricariids and armoured catfish without too many problems.
Sexual dimorphism
Difficult to sex. The female is plumper when full of eggs.
Reproduction
Can be achieved in captivity. The breeding tank should be thickly planted with broad-leaved plants with soft, acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5, 1-5 dH). It should be w…
Notes
An incredibly-adapted species, this fish is camouflaged to mimic a dead leaf, both in body shape and pattern. It can change colour to match its surroundings an…
References
References
No references