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Edit Polycentropsis abbreviata

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Name

Scientific name

Polycentropsis abbreviata

Described by

Not recorded

Family

Polycentridae

Common names

African Leaf Fish

Photograph credits

All 3 credited

Summary

The African leaf fish, Polycentropsis abbreviata, is a predatory leaf fish from Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon and Gabon. Camouflaged to mimic a …

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

80mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 38 cm, Minimum height 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 26–31°C, pH 6–6.5

Hardness

1–10dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Predatory

Social needs

Not recorded

Community suitability

Not recorded

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria

Writing

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

Cameroon, Benin, Gabon, Nigeria.

Habitat

It inhabits pools, swamps, creeks and slow-moving rivers. It occurs most frequently in areas of submerged vegetation around the banks of these.

Aquarium size

60 ∗ 38 ∗ 30 cm - ~68 litres.

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 v…

Water conditions

Temperature: 26 – 31 °C pH: 6.0-6.5 Hardness: 1-10°H

Diet

It is carnivorous and often will only accept live food. Bloodworm and small earthworms are good choices. Some specimens can be trained to accept dead alternati…

Behaviour and compatibility

A species tank is highly preferable, although it can be kept with medium-sized loricariids and armoured catfish without too many problems. Other quiet species …

Sexual dimorphism

Not an easy fish to sex. According to Baensch, females have a convex ventral line, which is straight in males, but this is unconfirmed. When the fish are spawn…

Reproduction

Rarely achieved in captivity. Bubble nester. Apparently, the fish can be induced to breed by providing dense planting, especially around the surface, and lower…

Notes

Like the closely related Polycentrus species from South America, with which it is sometimes confused, this fish is camouflaged to mimic a dead leaf, both in bo…

References

References

No references