South American Leaf Fish

Remarks: South American leaf fish are slow-moving ambush predators. Naturally, they resemble a fallen leaf almost perfectly, giving them the perfect camouflage to hide from unsuspecting prey. Their colors change to better fit in with their environment causing their coloration to range from gray, to brown, to even orange at times. They are found throughout the Amazon in large groups, hunting under the cover of fallen branches.

  These slow-moving fish don't need a very large tank - 35 gallons will suffice for a pair - but one will need a much larger tank to provide ample territory space if one plans to house more than two. To feel safe in an aquarium, South American leaf fish require plenty of cover in the form of floating or tall vegetation as well as leaves and branches. It is very challenging to convert them to prepared foods, so it is highly encouraged to have a steady supply of feeder fish like endlers or shrimp to help them adjust until they begin accepting prepared foods. Do not house them with large, aggressive, or fish that eat vigorously as this will frighten the leaf fish to where it will never come out of hiding or may even starve. Typically, they do best when kept in a species only tank or with smaller, peaceful South American catfish.

  The mouths of South American leaf fish are extremely large and have a small lure on the lower lip, meant to attract small fish nearby and add to their leaf camouflage by mimicking a leaf stem. This allows for them to swallow fish nearly as big as they are so care should be taken when choosing tank mates. You can see a mouth opening in the background at 0:35 in the video below!