Bornean leaf fish
Nandus nebulosus
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–79°F
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 4.7 in
- 12 cm
- Minimum tank
- 25 gal
- 95 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Very rare
- Family
- Nandidae
- Origin
- Thailand, Sunda Islands
Overview
The Bornean leaf fish is a quiet ambush predator that spends most of its time sitting among plants and wood, waiting for prey. It is a step up from the easiest fish.
Did you know
Despite its modest size, the Bornean leaf fish can engulf prey up to about two thirds of its own body length. It waits almost motionless, then strikes with a sudden forward thrust of its expandable jaws.
Caring for the Bornean leaf fish
Give the Bornean leaf fish a roomy, heavily planted tank of at least 25 gal (95 L). Add driftwood, leaf litter and floating plants to soften the light, and keep the filtration gentle.
Keep the water soft and slightly acidic to neutral, at 72 to 79°F (22 to 26°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Stable, clean, quiet water brings out its best color and behavior. Many specimens insist on live foods such as shrimp and small feeders at first, then slowly accept frozen meaty foods.
It is not aggressive toward fish it cannot eat, but small tank mates are never safe. Choose peaceful companions that are clearly too large to fit in its mouth. A small group can share a roomy tank, though individuals may claim territories, so give each fish cover and hiding spots. Aquarium breeding is not well documented.
Good to know
The Bornean leaf fish belongs to the family Nandidae, the Asian leaf fishes. It has a deep, mottled, leaf-like body. Its blotchy brown pattern and slow, drifting movement help it vanish against the background. Most fish offered for sale are wild caught.
In the wild
The Bornean leaf fish comes from sluggish, vegetated fresh waters across Thailand and the Sunda Islands. It lurks among submerged plants, roots and leaf litter, and it likes shade and structure rather than open space.
Common questions
What size tank does a Bornean leaf fish need?
A Bornean leaf fish needs at least 25 gal (95 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Bornean leaf fish need?
A Bornean leaf fish is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a Bornean leaf fish eat?
A Bornean leaf fish often insists on live foods such as shrimp and small feeders at first. Over time it slowly accepts frozen meaty foods. Any small tank mate that fits in its mouth is food as well.
How big does a Bornean leaf fish get?
An adult Bornean leaf fish reaches about 4.7 in (12 cm).
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