Guyana Leaffish - Polycentrus schomburgkii

Species name: Polycentrus schomburgkii

Synonym: Labrus punctatus; Polycentrus schomburgki; Polycentrus schomburgkii; Polycentrus tricolor; Mesonauta surinamensis

Common Names: Guyana leaffish

Family: Polycentridae (Leaffishes)

Order: Perciformes (perch-likes)

Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)

Max. size: 10.0 cm / 4 inches

Environment: Fresh and brackish waters

Origin: South America, Venezuela, Trinidad

Temperament:Predatory

Company:Should not be kept with fishes can fit into their large mouths. Should not be kept with aggressive fish like cichlid.

Water parameters: temperature 25°C / 78°F; pH 6.0 – 7.0

Aquarium setup: Polycentrus schomburgkii(Guyana leaffish) is rather small and two can be kept in a ten gallon aquarium. The tank should be well planted, with several caves for hiding as well.

Feeding: Will only accept live food, period. They will eat earthworms, ghost shrimp, brineshrimp, guppies, and other live foods.

Breeding: Very difficult. They will spawn in a cave, and lay eggs on plants with broad leaves. The male will tank over care and the female should be removed. They lay several hundred eggs, which hatch in 3 or four days. To prevent cannibalism, fry should be separated by size (to prevent cannibalism) and will eat Baby brineshrimp and nauplii.

Didn't find the info you were looking for? Register for free and ask your question in our Aquarium forum !
Our knowledgeable staff usually responds to any question within 24 hours