Leaf fish!

[bichir boi]

hey, i just got a leaf fish! my lfs had loads. Im nt sure wot type thought it just said true leaf fish. Ive got some baby mollys with it, but not many. How long wil he last i haven set up a tank to breed yet.

 

[ryan]

Monocirrhus polyacanthus or South American Leaf Fish are the most commonly seen species. However, there are other species; Polycentrus schomburgki (Schomburk's leaf fish) are found in north eastern South America. Polcentropsis abbreviata (African Leaf Fish) occurs in west Africa and Nandus nandus in Asia, from India to Tailand.

The South American species inhabit slow moving waters in the Peruvian Amazon. They are delicate fish for the specailist and will often only accept live foods. If the water is not to their liking they will refuse to eat full stop. The tank should have a slow filtration and be furnished with Bogwood and plants the water should be soft and slightly acidic. All leaf fish are hard to feed and need good water conditions, a species tank is best as they often feel intimidated by fish not large enough to be considered food.

 

[bichir boi]

Cheers for that lol, but i knew it already and it didnt answer my question.

 

[bichir boi]

So how long can it go with out being fed? My feeder tank is not set up, and i cannot get to the lfs until tuesday is that to long?

 

[ryan]

You should try to get them feeding as quickly as possible after purchase as the chances are the lfs didn't feed them well because they expect to have them only on a temporary basis. I'd try some other foods if you really can't get live foods and get them ASAP.

 

[bichir boi]

Well tomorrow ill get a dozen neons or sumthing like that, is that ok? Ive only got blood worms, lance fish and cockles so it wont eat those wil it?

 

[Dwarfs]

I've been feeding my leaf fish (P. schomburgki) live brine shrimp, he loves it and is pretty healthy.

 

[bichir boi]

Cool, shame i cant get that though. How long will the neons or guppys last. Hes tiny im not sure if he can eat them lol!

 

[Dwarfs]

He might not be able to eat them You could try live bloodworms

 

[bichir boi]

My lfs store is useless, they dont hve them either. Ill just take some more baby mollys, but they wont last long. I would of been more prepared and have the feeder tank set-up but i had to get one before they all went.