A master of camouflage that perfectly mimics a dead leaf drifting in the water. This species is an extreme ambush predator with a protruding jaw that can swallow prey up to 75% of its own size. It is a 'specialist' species because nearly all specimens require live food (small fish/shrimp) and refuse dry or frozen foods. Requires acidic, blackwater conditions and zero flow.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Find the right tank equipment
Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.
Water Parameters
Shop water care essentials
Keep water parameters stable with the right testing and heating gear.
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The wild-type form. Color changes to match surroundings (brown, yellow, gray). Must be kept with tankmates too large to be swallowed, or alone. Extremely peaceful towards anything it cannot eat.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Top Tank Mates
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii
🟢Ideal Tank MatesWhiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria sp.
🟢Ideal Tank MatesStriped Raphael Catfish
Platydoras armatulus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesClown Pleco (L104)
Panaqolus maccus
🟢Ideal Tank MatesFire Eel
Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
🟢Ideal Tank MatesCockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
🟢Ideal Tank MatesAmazon Leaf Fish Care Guide Summary
The Amazon Leaf Fish, scientifically known as Monocirrhus polyacanthus, belongs to the Other family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and surface zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Amazon Leaf Fish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 5–6.8 and a general hardness of 0–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
Due to its specialist needs, the Amazon Leaf Fish is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Amazon Leaf Fish is typically available in one standard form.
Amazon Leaf Fish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Amazon Leaf Fish, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and surface zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Amazon Leaf Fish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Amazon Leaf Fish is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and surface zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Amazon Leaf Fish.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
Amazon Leaf Fish Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Amazon Leaf Fish is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed, and is primarily active at dusk and dawn, so offering food shortly after lights-off ensures it receives adequate nutrition. Find quality Amazon Leaf Fish fish food for this species.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon Leaf Fish
How big does Amazon Leaf Fish get?
Amazon Leaf Fish (Monocirrhus polyacanthus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Amazon Leaf Fish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Amazon Leaf Fish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Amazon Leaf Fish need?
Amazon Leaf Fish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–29°C, a pH between 5 and 6.8, and a general hardness of 0–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Amazon Leaf Fish peaceful or aggressive?
Amazon Leaf Fish is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Amazon Leaf Fish live alone?
Yes, Amazon Leaf Fish can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Amazon Leaf Fish safe with shrimp?
No. Amazon Leaf Fish is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Amazon Leaf Fish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Amazon Leaf Fish benefits from leaf litter/blackwater, plants - densely covered, driftwood (digestion/hiding), and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Similar Species
Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma)
Ctenopoma acutirostre
A fascinating, ancient African anabantoid that mimics a dead leaf to ambush prey. They possess a surprisingly large, extendable mouth. While slow-moving and generally peaceful towards fish too large to swallow, they are efficient predators of small fish and invertebrates. They are crepuscular (active at twilight) and require structure (wood/plants) to feel secure.
Whiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria sp.
A highly cryptic, peaceful, and extremely slender catfish that mimics a twig or dead leaf. They are excellent scavengers and biofilm grazers that require smooth sand and driftwood to thrive. They are completely non-aggressive, lack the heavy armor of larger plecos, and do well in peaceful community setups.
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Brachygobius xanthozonus
A miniature, bottom-dwelling goby famous for its striking black and yellow stripes. While they are often sold as freshwater fish and can survive in it temporarily, they are highly susceptible to fungal infections in fresh water and truly require a brackish setup (SG 1.002-1.005) to thrive long-term. They are notoriously picky eaters, often ignoring flakes in favor of live or frozen foods (like bloodworms or brine shrimp).
African Butterfly Fish
Pantodon buchholzi
A fascinating, prehistoric-looking surface dweller native to the slow-moving waters of West Africa. They are strictly top-dwelling ambush predators with a completely flat back and upturned mouth designed to hunt insects and small fish. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory as they are exceptional jumpers capable of gliding above the water.
Bladder Snail (Pest Snail)
Physella acuta
A tiny, fast-moving freshwater snail almost universally introduced accidentally via live aquarium plants. While frequently labeled a 'pest' due to their rapid, prolific reproduction, they are actually an excellent cleanup crew. They consume algae, uneaten food, and decaying plant matter without harming healthy plants. They are hermaphroditic and can self-fertilize, meaning a single snail can start a massive colony.
Amazon Puffer
Colomesus asellus
One of the few truly freshwater, community-safe pufferfish. Native to the Amazon basin, these energetic swimmers are known for their bumblebee-like stripes and erratic swimming patterns. Unlike most puffers, they are social and prefer to be kept in groups. CRITICAL WARNING: This species has the fastest-growing teeth of any puffer. They REQUIRE a daily diet of hard-shelled foods (snails, clams, crustaceans) or they will require manual dentistry (trimming) to prevent starvation.