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Amazon Leaffish

Monocirrhus polyacanthus
A leaffish

Amazon Leaffish

Monocirrhus polyacanthus
Other Common Names
Leaf fish
At the Aquarium
Amazon Basin
Other Common Names
Leaf fish

At the Aquarium

Amazon Basin

Appearance

Its flat, leaf-shaped body vanishes among fallen leaves on the river bottom. They typically grow up to 4 inches in length.

Habitat

Found in shallow water with little or no flow in areas where fallen leaves collect.

Diet

Small invertebrates and fish. When near prey, the leaffish will protract their mouth and rapidly suck in their prey, folding and compacting the animal in their stomach. Because of this, they can eat fish up to 2/3 their length.

Life History

Leaffish will lay up to 300 eggs at a time, and will hatch 3-4 days after being fertilized by the male. Even when freshly hatched they are voracious carnivores, eating tiny invertebrates like brine shrimp or water fleas.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

They are common in the pet trade.
Range
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and Guyana.
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not found on the Oregon Coast. It can be found at the Oregon Coast Aquarium as part of our temporary exhibit Amazon Basin: Adventure for the Senses.
Fun Facts
The leaffish will swim head down very slowly, in order to take advantage of their natural camouflage. They use this to approach prey or avoid predators by resembling a leaf in the current. In reality, they are propelled by subtle movements of their transparent fins.

Citations & Other Resources

  • Catarino, M.F.; J. Zuanon (2010). “Feeding ecology of the leaf fish Monocirrhus polyacanthus (Perciformes: Polycentridae) in a terra firme stream in the Brazilian Amazon”. Neotrop. Ichthyol. 8 (1): 183–186. doi:10.1590/S1679-62252010000100022.
  • “Monocirrhus polyacanthus”. SeriouslyFish. Retrieved 26 August 2026.
  • https://aquadiction.world/species-spotlight/amazon-leaffish/
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Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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