All fish / Nandidae

African Leaf Fish

Polycentropsis abbreviata

Also known as african leaffish, african leaf-fish, leaf fish, abbreviated leaf fish, アフリカン・リーフフィッシュ, 非洲枯叶鱼

This is a small, flattened predator with a large mouth, mottled in shades of brown so that it looks like a dead leaf drifting in the water. Keepers of unusual predators like it because it hunts by drifting slowly up to prey and then striking fast, and it can change colour to match its surroundings.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Singly, in a pair, or with peaceful fish too large to swallow

Diet

Carnivore: live fish fry, small fish, bloodworm, mosquito larvae and other live invertebrates; it seldom accepts dried food

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

West and Central Africa: coastal rivers and swamps from Nigeria to Gabon, including the Niger delta and Ogowe basin

Breeding

It builds a bubble nest, usually under a floating leaf or plant, and the eggs are stuck to the underside of the nest. The male guards the eggs and the fry. Spawning has been reported in soft, slightly acidic water, but the fish is rarely bred because it is seldom imported.

Good to know

It will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth, so do not keep it with small tetras or livebearers. Most specimens need live food, so plan a steady supply before you buy one.