Asian Leaf Fish
Asian Leaf Fish
Asian Leaf Fish (Nandus nandus) employs a similar ambush strategy to its South American counterpart — a leaf-shaped body with mottled brown coloration, slow drifting movement, and an enormous, protrusible mouth that can engulf prey nearly its own size. It belongs to the family Nandidae — a small group of 'leaf perches' — and is the most widely available member of the group.
Feeding & Care Tip: Primarily accepts live small fish initially. Some individuals learn to take Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp on a feeding stick. Feed 2–3 times per week. Patience is required to transition to frozen foods.
Native to India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand — slow-moving rivers, ponds, and flooded areas with vegetation and leaf litter. More adaptable to varied water conditions than the South American Leaf Fish.
Keep singly or with fish too large to eat. The protrusible mouth can extend to engulf prey nearly its own body size. A densely planted aquarium with leaf litter and dim lighting suits this species well.
The Asian Leaf Fish is a fascinating ambush predator with an unusual evolutionary lineage. More adaptable than the South American Leaf Fish and a rewarding challenge for experienced aquarists.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate — Advanced |
| Temperament | Predatory — keep with large fish only |
| Typical Adult Size | 8.0 inches (20 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly — keep with larger fish |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 3–18 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 2–10 dKH |
| Staple Food | Live small fish; frozen bloodworms if accepted |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand |
| Notes | Family Nandidae — Asian leaf perch. Enormously protrusible mouth — engulfs prey nearly own size. Transitions to frozen foods with patience. More adaptable than South American Leaf Fish. |
