Leaf Fish African

African leaf fish are part of the ctenopoma family and are true ambush predators mimicking the color and shape of surrounding leaves. Unsuspecting small prey are snatched with a small movement when too near (or near enough from the leaf fish point of view). These fish do not get large and will only eat the smallest of species; otherwise, they are appropriate for a community tank, planted tank, and a mid-size cichlid tank. Leaf fish will eat frozen food, but be sure to have access to brine shrimp or live black worms in case some transition is required. Leaf fish are wild-caught in Nigeria.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them a planted tank with driftwood, leaf litter and gentle current. They hunt by ambush and stay still for long periods.

Feeding: African leaf fish adapt to frozen foods. Offer frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp once a day.

Tankmates: They only eat very small fish, so they are fine with community fish too large to swallow.

Good to know: Leaf fish drift slowly toward their prey like a fallen leaf, then strike very quickly.