Gangetic leaffish
Nandus nandus
Also known as Mottled nandus, Nandus leaffish, Gangetic mud perch, Indian leaf fish
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–82°F
- 22–28°C
- pH
- 6.5–7.8
- Adult size
- 7.9 in
- 20 cm
- Minimum tank
- 34 gal
- 130 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Nandidae
- Origin
- Native to fresh and sometimes slightly brackish waters across South Asia, from the Ganges basin through Myanmar.
Overview
The Gangetic leaffish is a South Asian predator for a dim tank with plenty of cover. It suits a keeper with some experience.
Did you know
The Gangetic leaffish can shoot its jaws forward into a wide tube. That creates a sudden vacuum that pulls small fish straight into its mouth.
Caring for the Gangetic leaffish
Give the Gangetic leaffish a tank of at least 34 gal (130 L) with wood, caves and dim light. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) with a pH of 6.5 to 7.8. It tolerates hard and even slightly brackish water.
It is a predator that will eat any fish it can swallow, and it hunts mainly at dusk and after dark. It often refuses flake, so feed live and frozen foods such as earthworms, prawn and river shrimp.
House it only with larger, calm tank mates. Breeding it is hard.
Good to know
Nandus nandus is a mottled brown ambush predator in the family Nandidae, with a huge, extendable mouth. Its body breaks up its outline against wood and leaves, and its drab pattern shifts to match its surroundings. It is also known as the mottled nandus, Gangetic mud perch or Indian leaf fish.
In the wild
The Gangetic leaffish is native to fresh and sometimes slightly brackish waters across South Asia, from the Ganges basin through Myanmar. It hangs still until prey drifts close, then engulfs it in a flash.
Common questions
What size tank does a Gangetic leaffish need?
A Gangetic leaffish needs at least 34 gal (130 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Gangetic leaffish need?
A Gangetic leaffish is comfortable at 72–82°F (22–28°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.8.
What does a Gangetic leaffish eat?
A Gangetic leaffish often refuses flake, so feed it live and frozen foods such as earthworms, prawn and river shrimp. It will also eat any fish it can swallow.
How big does a Gangetic leaffish get?
An adult Gangetic leaffish reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm).
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